What is a highway structure?
A structure can be any of the following:
- bridge
- subway
- culvert
- gantry
- tunnel
- viaduct
- retaining wall
- footbridge
How many bridges and other structures are there in Kent
Within Kent, there are over 4000 bridges and structures. Whilst
Kent County Council own and maintain roughly 2800 of these, the
remaining 1200 are the responsibility of other agencies.
These include
- Network Rail
- Highways Agency.
- The Environment Agency
- Channel Tunnel Rail Link (UK) Ltd
- British Rail Board Residuary and
- Other private companies such as British Gas and Pfizer
Whilst the Highways Agency looks after trunk roads and motorways,
KHS look after all other public roads in Kent, except those in the
Medway area which are the responsibility of Medway
Council.
How do we look after bridges?
We ensure that bridges and structures are safe and fit for
purpose by
- regularly inspecting every structure
- prioritising, planning and carrying out repairs to structures
that we own.
- setting design standards for the building of any new
structures.
- making sure our construction standards are met
Who is responsible for Inspection and maintenance?
The bridge owners have overall responsibility for their
structures including carrying out day to day inspections and
organising and supervising any maintenance
How often do we carry out inspections?
Every two years we make general inspections of all our
structures, although in special circumstances (such as cast-iron or
weight-restricted bridges), we carry out inspections more
often.
Every 6 to 12 years, depending upon the type of structure,
principal inspections are carried out. This involves close
inspection of all parts of a structure by a chartered engineer and
often means using specialist equipment and closing traffic
lanes.
We also look at other agencies' bridges to identify any
structural or safety issues which might need their attention in the
public interest.
Who sets the standards for and approves new works?
Kent Highway Services carries out the Technical Approval process
for all works affecting highway structures on county roads in Kent.
As part of this work, a library of standards and guidelines is
maintained to enable designers to meet the standards required and
so deliver structures which are safe to use, fit for purpose and
sit well in the environment.
Why is it important to maintain them?
We need to regularly and carefully maintain bridges and other
structures to:
- keep them in good condition.
- ensure that they are safe for the public.
- confirm that they can carry all the traffic allowed to use
them.
- protect our heritage.
What maintenance do we do?
There are three main types of maintenance that we carry out:
Operational maintenance
This is essential for the safe use and operation of a structure and
typical activities may include:
- clearing drainage systems
- providing lighting in subways
- putting up height and weight restriction signs.
Routine Maintenance
This is needed to combat normal wear and tear and has the added
benefit of protecting the structure over time. Works carried out
typically include:
- repainting
- repointing
- re-waterproofing
- minor concrete repairs and
- anti scour works
- resurfacing.
Structural Maintenance and Upgrading
This is needed as a result of external factors such as exposure to
extreme conditions, old age, change in use or change in structural
standards. This includes;
- strengthening
- partial or full reconstruction
- major repairs
- underpinning
- widening
- upgrades
We also advise other bridge owners of their responsibilities to
the public and make sure they carry out the necessary works. We
maintain comprehensive records of all our structures.
What about historic bridges?
There is a rich heritage of old bridges in Kent these
include:
- several ancient monuments such as Teston and East Farleigh
Bridges
- bridges at Wye and Eynsford
- great bridge at Tonbridge
- sandwich toll bridge
- many that can be found alongside listed buildings in
conservation areas.
These bridges are assessed, maintained and repaired generally to
the same standards as all of our other bridges and structures.
However, any work to historic bridges must also meet the strict
requirements of English Heritage or the Local Planning Authority
(usually the District Council). Their special status means that any
work carried out to make them safe and fit for purpose, must be
done without significantly changing their appearance.
Most of the bridges above have undergone major structural
repairs and strengthening over the last 25 years, whilst
maintaining their visual appeal.
Structural and Environmental weight limit
What is the difference between a structural weight limit and an
environmental weight limit?
A structural Weight limit (a round sign with a weight limit
only) is a mandatory limit and means the bridge is weak and to
protect it, vehicles whose plated weight is over the limit must not
be driven over the bridge.
An environmental limit (generally 7.5T shown on a lorry on a round
sign) is also a mandatory limit and is used to discourage heavy
good vehicles from using the route as a through route. This is
either for a social or environmental reason, or because the lane is
too narrow.
What should I do if I see a vehicle hit a bridge?
If it is a railway bridge, you will find a telephone number on a
plaque on the bridge structure. Call this number immediately to
contact the rail company urgently.
Do this first, and then contact the Police (dial 999) and us.
If you have any other bridge issues, please contact us on 08458
247 800
Report a problem with a bridge
If you notice a problem with a bridge, please tell us about it
using the
online fault reporting form (link opens in a new window).
You will require an e-mail address to complete an online
report - if you do not have an e-mail address please call 08458 247
800. |