Condition of the Bridge
All our highway structures are inspected every two years. A general inspection of the Canford Bridge carried out in 2003 showed increased deterioration in its condition as summarised below:
Arch Barrels
90% of main arch stones severely weathered, deeply fractured and crumbling due to water ingress.
Waterproof Membrane
The waterproof membrane has failed primarily due to the parapets and spandrel walls being pushed out by carriageway compaction.
Abutments, Piers and Cutwaters
Extensive areas of previous mortar render repairs are fractured, spalling and debonding from the stone.
Particular concern for large 3m² area of deep fractured, spalled stone in Poole side arch pier at down stream end.
Spandels, Wing Walls and Parapets
General weathering and root infestation are present causing random areas of spalling and minor cracking.
Worst deterioration is at ground level on the wing walls where water is also leaking through the walls.
Overall Stonework Condition
Spalling and rooting of stones has significantly increased over the previous two years.
Cantilever Footbridge
The precast concrete encapsulation of all the main steel cantilever beams is cracking and spalling due to corrosion expansion.
80% of the deck beams are cracked and spalling due to corrosion of internal reinforcement.
Wimborne side footbridge abutment is settling and rotating away from main bridge wing wall. 80mm wide gap opened between abutment and bridge elevation. Surfacing behind footbridge abutment is settling as structure rotates away.
In addition, the footbridge precast facing sections have become loose and dislodged.
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