Broadwater Bridge needs ‘vital’ safety repair work

A safety inspection of The Broadwater Bridge in Worthing showed water damage was causing the concrete to loosen and fall onto the railway line below.

A statement from West Sussex County Council stated that falling pieces of concrete were dangerous for the trains passing under the bridge.

The statement described the bridge’s waterproofing as “past its best”, and warned that if repairs were not carried out the concrete beams would become weaker.

Although the bridge will remain open to traffic throughout the duration of the works, lane restrictions will mean delays are to be expected.

The council is advising motorists to avoid using the route at peak times, as most of the work will be carried out during the day.

The work is expected to be completed by late November.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Pieter Montyn, apologised for the inconvenience.

He said: “By taking this action now, we are shortening the length of time it will disrupt the general public.

“We need to make the bridge safe – and doing it this way means we don’t have to close it off completely.”