A flood defence scheme in the historic Peak District town of Matlock has seen a vehicle restraint system (VRS) installed on an ancient 13th century bridge to protect pedestrians and the bridge itself.
In February, a large section of the flood defence wall in Matlock collapsed nearby Matlock Bridge over the River Derwent, also known as Derwent Bridge.
The Grade II listed and scheduled monument, which was painted by J.M.W. Turner in 1794, is situated in a conservation area. Parts of the structure date back to the mid-13th century, with modification in the 15th century.
An Environment Agency project to reinstate the flood protection began in June, involving major alterations and safety improvements to the bridge, with Jackson Civil Engineering selecting Asset VRS to install a suitable VRS on the bridge.
Asset VRS assessed the site and the project requirements and recommended the installation of its galvanised steel Varioguard barriers.
The barriers are now in place (pictured right), protecting pedestrians and the medieval bridge parapets from traffic using the bridge.
Gareth Baugh, site agent from Jackson Civil Engineering Group, said: ‘The vehicle restraint system was provided by Asset VRS as a long-term solution to protect pedestrians from vehicle traffic once Matlock Bridge was re-opened to two-way traffic.
‘During site visits by the contractors, clients, chairperson and local dignitaries, it was commented on how attractive and presentable the VRS appeared visually and that Jacksons and its supply chain are able to deliver this type of product effectively with consideration to the local tourist town of Matlock.’
Prior to the flood event, the bridge was one-way but a closure of the A6 for the works saw it temporarily used for traffic in both directions.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council told Highways: 'When the proposals were being drawn up to facilitate the work on the flood defences it was envisaged that after completion the road layout would return to how it was before, with the bridge going back to one-way.
'We will however look at the traffic flow data to understand how having the bridge two-way affects the town so that we can look at options for the future, but at this stage we think the bridge will go back to one-way.'
The final stages of the project are likely to be carried out in Spring 2023.
