We are responsible for managing the maintenance of the majority of highway structures on the roads of Dorset. These include more than 1400 structures comprising over 845 bridges (those structures over 1.5 metres span), 274 small culverts (between 0.9 and 1.5 metres span), 134 retaining walls, one tunnel and more than 150 other structures such as large rights of way bridges.

About Dorset's bridges

Dorset has a wide variety of structures on its roads. As well as recently constructed reinforced concrete and steel bridges there are 17 bridges recorded as scheduled monuments. Of these 12 are thought to be medieval and 16th Century.

Other notable bridges in the county include Weymouth Town Bridge, built in 1930 over the harbour in Weymouth, an example of a steel lifting bridge, while Two Fords Bridge at Lydlinch on the A357, is a Callender-Hamillton Truss installed as a 'temporary' bridge during World War II to allow the passage of tanks over the River Lydden. This bridge is still in daily use today.

Bridge management

The effective management of the county's highway structures plays a significant role in helping the county council to progress many of its corporate aims. This will continue to be achieved, guided by the Management of Highway Structures-A Code of Practice, a document published in 2005, through the comprehensive inspection of its structures, together with the identification and prioritisation of maintenance and safety works. Other important aspects include completion of the bridge strengthening programme, progression of road over rail issues, resolution of culvert flooding problems and recording details of retaining walls adjacent to the highway.

Bridge strengthening

Over the last few years all Dorset's bridges with a span exceeding 1.5 metres have been assessed to find out whether they are capable of taking lorries weighing up to 40 tonnes. This work has been necessary because lorries with weights up to 40 tonnes have been permitted on the county's roads since January 1999.

In 2008, about 2.5% of Dorset's bridges did not satisfy the 40 tonne requirement. The sub-strength bridges have either been strengthened or are being closely monitored until strengthening works can be funded and programmed. In some cases weight restrictions will be, or have been, imposed.

Road over rail bridges

Assessments and investigations into the road over rail sites within the county are being carried out in line with government recommendations. One high risk bridge has had safety barriers erected to reduce the risk to an acceptable level plus two other bridges have additional signage erected to minimise the risk.

Flooding

The increase in the frequency of severe flooding has resulted in a policy being developed to deal with flooding associated with highway structures. Following reports of flooding, investigations into the cause are carried out. If it shown a highway culvert is a major contributory factor to the flooding, a ranking system is used to prioritise the site. Subject to funding being available, works are undertaken on this priority basis.

Bridge policies

For more details of the county council's policy related to its highway structures please follow the link to our 'bridge management policy' on the right hand side of the page.

All the county's highway structures form a vital part of Dorset's road system and it is the responsibility of the Bridge Management Team to ensure they remain safe for all highway users.

What can you do?

It is helpful if you let us know about bridges and other highway structures you believe to be in a dangerous condition by telephoning Dorset Direct on 01305 251000 or by using the highway feedback form. If the matter is urgent do not use the online form – call 01305 251000.

When you report an incident we will need to know the following details:

• bridge name (if known) and its location
• road or street it is on
• problem with the bridge

• Bridge design

  Dorset Engineering Consultancy is experienced in the design and construction monitoring of the many types of structures associated with new or improved road layouts

• Historic bridges

  Dorset has a wealth of historic bridges which we endeavour to maintain for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations

• Bridge maintenance

  We maintain the County Council's bridges by carrying out works which are identified and prioritised as part of regular inspections.