A project to regenerate two historic bridges in Surrey has been completed on time despite severe winter flooding.
Surrey County Council and highway services provider Kier Services have praised cleaning specialist Community Clean for the successful refurbishment of Town Bridge and Onslow Bridge in Guildford town centre.
The company, which has more than 15 years’ industry experience, started work on the landmark bridges in November 2013.
Operations director Martin Izzard said “a true spirit of partnership” had helped ensure the ultimate delivery of the project after rising flood waters from the River Wey prompted Environment Agency officials and police to temporarily close the site mid-contract.
Community Clean, which employs 60 staff, were engaged by Kier Services for Surrey County Council as client and asset manager.
Izzard said: “The bridges were looking tired and worn and were a depressing sight for residents and visitors alike. The council recognised the need to refresh, regenerate and repaint these central town structures.”
Specialist techniques employed on the project included the stripping back of seven previous paint coatings ahead of surface repainting.
Other activities on both Guildford bridges included brick cleaning, graffiti removal, pigeon prevention and the restoration of intricate paintwork highlighting crests and plaques.
Among the physical areas involved were pillars, parapets, pavements, lamps and lamp columns, and lattice works.
At a civic event in Guildford to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished bridges, Mr Izzard presented the Chairman of Surrey County Council, Councillor David Munro, with a storyboard of photographs illustrating how the works had proceeded.
Councillor Munro said: “This was a job well done in challenging circumstances. We thank all at Community Clean for the speedy and successful renovation of an important and very visible part of Guildford’s physical infrastructure.”
Pictured from left to right: Councillor David Munro, chairman, Surrey County Council; Martin Izzard, director of operations, Community Clean; Mark Borland, highway projects and contracts group manager, Surrey County Council; Councillor Stephen Mansbridge, leader of Guildford Borough Council; and Sharon Parker, head of sales and marketing, Community Clean
