The 'nightmare' 200-year-old Essex bridge that's in desperate need of fixing

A bridge in one of England's most picturesque villages that's in desperate need of fixing continues to be subject to intense scrutiny by highways bosses. The 200-year-old bridge in Finchingfield often described as a 'nightmare' by local residents has a number of safety concerns with parts of the bridge in a weak condition.

Essex Highways had plans to rebuild the bridge with a slightly wider structure to meet future capacity needs. These plans were submitted in December 2022 but, due to local concerns and objections, the authority says they are unable to proceed with that option. Essex Highways have subsequently withdrawn the planning application to rebuild the bridge.

Action is still needed to improve the bridge's current situation and council bosses are now "investigating an alternative option to strengthen the bridge as a medium-term solution". Without the bridge, motorists could be forced on a 16-mile detour which local businesses fear could kill local trade.

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Chairman of Finchingfield Parish Council Councillor Johnny Martin Smith previously said: "It is going to be a mess. It will possibly put off visitors to look at the beautiful village which they see on the TV every night on BBC Look East but I think we have to live with that. If the bridge has to be done, then it is one of those things.”

A spokesperson said: "Once we determine if the strengthening works are feasible, we will share more information. At this stage, we would not expect strengthening to negatively impact the bridge’s appearance as most of the work could be done underneath the structure.

"In the meantime, we are continuing to monitor the bridge to ensure it remains safe for use. Separately, the Local Highway Panel are considering introducing an Environmental Weight Restriction of 7.5 tonnes for the area."

They added: "Finchingfield Bridge is an old bridge with some elements approximately 200 years old. The existing pond side elevation is a patchwork of constructions, the arch and buttresses dating to the early 20th Century and the wingwall to the west and parapet over the bridge from the 80’s and the eastern wingwall substantially repaired in 2000’s.

"More recently Essex Highways, have reconstructed the upstream spandrel and parapet due to its poor condition. The 1980’s and work in the 2000’s were all required through impacts from passing traffic. The oldest elements of the bridge are not visible to the public, these are the arch and abutments at the upstream end.

"Independent assessments have confirmed the oldest part of the bridge arch is weak and unable to sustain the required loading (weight capacity) within acceptable safety factors. We monitor the bridge to ensure its safe use, however this is an interim measure whilst we plan to replace the bridge.

"The overall condition of the bridge is poor and will continue to deteriorate without intervention. Not helped by the regular impacts from passing vehicles, due to its narrow construction.

"All of these factors have been considered when opting to pursue the removal of the existing bridge, and replacing with one of similar style, albeit slightly wider to provide protection to the bridge parapet and adjacent building, improving safety in the process. The width between new kerbs will be similar to that currently existing between the parapets."