Gloucester’s High Orchard Bridge Reopens After £200,000 Resurfacing Project

A bridge located in Gloucester has recommenced operations subsequent to vital safety maintenance conducted over a three-week period, incurring expenses exceeding £200,000. The Canal and River Trust declared on Sunday that High Orchard Bridge, which facilitates the passage of St Ann Way across the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, is once more accessible to both vehicles and cyclists. The trust collaborated with its contractor, Kier, to execute the removal of the previous road surface, undertake repairs to road plates, and apply a new surface utilizing a specialized resin compound. Neil Owen, representing the trust, characterized the bridge as “an important structure in the city and on the canal.” During the bridge’s temporary closure, the adjacent pavement and towpath remained open, and watercraft with a height under 16.4ft (5m) were permitted to use the navigation channel. With the bridge now operational, vessels exceeding this specified height can traverse through the structure when it is raised. Mr. Owen stated, “The improvements will benefit road users who cross the canal over St Ann Way and we worked seven days a week to deliver them quickly and minimise disruption.” He further elaborated, “This follows the work undertaken by the Canal & River Trust earlier this year to make repairs to the bridge so it could be safely lifted for the ships entering Gloucester Docks for the Tall Ships Festival.” “We are grateful for people’s patience while the work took place to deliver these safety works and improvements,” he concluded.