The newly installed replacement Fen Bridge, which crosses over the River Stour and links Dedham and East Bergholt has been opened to the public.

Following the closure and subsequent removal of the previous wooden arch bridge, a great deal of activity took place to design, fabricate and install its replacement. The 13-tonne, 23.7 metre-long bridge was lifted into place late September. Works then took place to fix the bridge to the supports, modify the existing supports to suit the new bridge dimensions, and reconstruct the steps on the approaches.

Comprised of a pair of painted arched steel beams supporting Ekki hardwood decking and parapets, the bridge was prefabricated off-site, delivered to site in one piece and lifted into position using a large mobile crane.

The design life of the new bridge is 120 years and replaces the former timber beam bridge which was erected in 1985.

The process for replacing the bridge not only involved the design and fabrication, but also how the bridge would be transported to site, the land requirements needed and obtaining environment consents to work over the water course. This included constructing and then removing approximately one kilometre of temporary access track, including four temporary bridges crossing buried services from Dedham Road across the meadows to the bridge site to provide access for the large mobile crane and delivery of the new bridge.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, Operational Highways and Flooding, said: 

“This bridge is an incredibly important part of these communities and such a fantastic asset to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I know those living locally and the many visitors to the area have missed being able to cross the bridge whilst it has been closed, so I am delighted that we have been able to fund, build and replace it.

“I want to thank all for their patience and cooperation whilst the route was out of action, and we look forward to seeing the new bridge used and enjoyed for years to come.”