boatone
Well-Known Member
I asked the EA for further information re the upcoming works at Shillingford Bridge and Wallingford which were mentioned in an earlier thread and have received the following reply:
1. Shillingford
"The side arches are about 4.2m high when the river is at summer levels, greater than Whitchurch downstream and Culham upstream. Widths are around 10.4m , wider than all our locks and I have sounded the depth under and around the side arches and although it varies and I didn't record the depths it is never less than the published depth for this area (1.2m).
I was present when Salter's Passenger Vessel 'Lady Ethel' passed through both side arches as a trial in preparation for the bridge works and I hope you will be reassured that the two passenger vessel skippers on board on the day were confident that our plans will enable them to operate all of their Passenger Vessels through the bridge this summer.
You may wonder why the work is taking place during the summer months. I am informed that the materials prescribed for the repairs, which include traditional lime mortar cannot successfully be used below a certain temperature. Working during the summer also helps them in managing the Health and Safety of the repair workers.. I am sorry I can't tell you exactly when the centre arch will be closed, I don't believe this has yet been determined by the OCC Bridge Engineer. He has told me though that he intends to have the side arches work done first. - Latest info is that contractors should be on site shortly"
2. Wallingford
"..the new 24hour mooring site in Wallingford is to be constructed immediately upstream of Wallingford Bridge on the opposite bank to the existing moorings. They will run the length of the existing river wall which is visbly in need of repair in front of the line of mature trees which in turn lie in front of the Bathing Pool and public open space."
1. Shillingford
"The side arches are about 4.2m high when the river is at summer levels, greater than Whitchurch downstream and Culham upstream. Widths are around 10.4m , wider than all our locks and I have sounded the depth under and around the side arches and although it varies and I didn't record the depths it is never less than the published depth for this area (1.2m).
I was present when Salter's Passenger Vessel 'Lady Ethel' passed through both side arches as a trial in preparation for the bridge works and I hope you will be reassured that the two passenger vessel skippers on board on the day were confident that our plans will enable them to operate all of their Passenger Vessels through the bridge this summer.
You may wonder why the work is taking place during the summer months. I am informed that the materials prescribed for the repairs, which include traditional lime mortar cannot successfully be used below a certain temperature. Working during the summer also helps them in managing the Health and Safety of the repair workers.. I am sorry I can't tell you exactly when the centre arch will be closed, I don't believe this has yet been determined by the OCC Bridge Engineer. He has told me though that he intends to have the side arches work done first. - Latest info is that contractors should be on site shortly"
2. Wallingford
"..the new 24hour mooring site in Wallingford is to be constructed immediately upstream of Wallingford Bridge on the opposite bank to the existing moorings. They will run the length of the existing river wall which is visbly in need of repair in front of the line of mature trees which in turn lie in front of the Bathing Pool and public open space."