Station Road Bridge

History

The original line was built in the 1880s to capture river traffic from Southend and Clacton via Gravesend Pier and thence by train to/from London via Farningham and Swanley. By 1910 the Southend/Clacton – Gravesend River steamers had stopped. Railways on the north side of the Thames had extended to these towns, providing shorter and cheaper journey times.

The branch stayed open for local traffic to and from Farningham until 1953, when passenger services were withdrawn between Southfleet and Gravesend West.

Movement of freight continued as there was a flow of coal to power the Northfleet Cement Works, but this line eventually closed in 1976.

About the structure

Constructed in 1886, the two-span bridge is built in the jack arch form with brick arches spanning between wrought iron riveted plate girders. Abutments and the central pier are of brick construction. The former track bed has been raised to the roadside level and the area around the bridge has been heavily developed. Housing, offices, parking, and a tennis court now neighbour the structure to the north with an operational railway close by to the south.  

Historically, Station Road Bridge has been described as ‘poor’ in its condition during both visual and detailed examinations completed by those managing the Estate. The cutting beneath the bridge was partially infilled on both sides by unknown parties, leaving limited access and making examinations difficult and unsafe. The wingwalls have been completely buried, with debris collecting beneath the bridge over the years.

The road over the bridge is unrestricted (allowing vehicles up to 40/44t to use it); however, the bridge has been assessed as having a safe capacity of only 7.5t.  This reduction in capacity is a result of deterioration of the north edge steel girder and the main girders (which have a recommended capacity of 18t). 

What is the project?

The bridge remains a risk to public safety and continues to deteriorate, based on our inspections.

We’ve carried out a thorough review of potential options to make the structure sound including considering safety, ecological and heritage value, as well as the potential for any repurposing plans. 

We presented options developed by our engineering team at our Stakeholder Advisory Forum (SAF) in July 2022.

Following the SAF discussion, it was agreed that infill would be the best long-term and cost-effective solution, to maintain safety on and around the structure. 

We applied for planning permission to Dartford Borough Council to infill the structure, which was granted in August 2024.

What stage is it at?

Works to infill the bridge to ensure the continued safety of the public will begin from 13 January 2025 and last around seven weeks.

A section of Station Road will be restricted by 24-hour two-way traffic lights, creating a single lane closure for the duration of the works.

The works are being undertaken on our behalf by Hammonds ECS Ltd.

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