Since May 2018, a dedicated team of engineers has been working quietly on the M62’s Ouse Bridge in Yorkshire. Over a period of more than two years, they have replaced more than 200 bridge bearings, hidden from the view of drivers. These essential components allow the bridge to flex safely with changes in temperature and weather, preventing damage and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The latest phase of work involved swapping out the bridge parapets, which are the protective barriers lining the bridge. This task completes a significant maintenance programme, leaving the iconic Ouse Bridge prepared to serve for decades to come. Opened in 1976, the bridge forms the final stretch of the M62, connecting Liverpool to Hull and carrying thousands of vehicles daily.
Highways England manages 22,000 key structures nationwide, including bridges and tunnels used by millions every day. Their engineers undertake inspections and repairs that involve abseiling, crawling, and even diving to maintain these vital transport links.
Mike Wilson, Chief Highways Engineer, said: “Our roads connect the country and millions rely on our structures daily. We carry out thousands of inspections annually, checking everything from paintwork to material integrity. This thorough monitoring helps us plan maintenance that minimises disruption and prevents emergencies.”
Highways England follows strict inspection routines, conducting general reviews every two years and detailed inspections every six years. Most repair work is carried out overnight or beneath the roads, so drivers rarely notice the maintenance activities. Techniques include abseiling down towering piers, crawling under roads to check drainage, and diving beneath submerged bridges such as the Orwell.
All inspection data feeds into a comprehensive maintenance plan designed to keep every structure safe while minimising disruption. Over the next five years, a record £4.1 billion will be invested to renew 170 bridges and other key structures across the country.
With this substantial investment and ongoing maintenance, Highways England is ensuring that Britain’s transport infrastructure remains strong and safe for the long term.
Originally published by UKNIP.
