Lodgemore Bridge solution identified

Progress has been made on the replacement of Lodgemore Bridge in Stroud.

Original bridge

Lodgemore Bridge has served the very busy Woollen Specialist Products factory at Lodgemore Mill for many years. The original wooden swing bridge was operated by boaters hauling coal and grain along the Stroudwater. It was replaced with a metal swing bridge in the 1920s. This was fixed in the ‘on position’ i.e across the closed canal when the navigation was closed. The existing structure still bears the 8 ton limit sign. See the top photo taken by Mike Gallagher in 2012.

Local engineering expertise

Angela Rowbotham is an engineer who works with KGAL Consulting Engineers at what the company refers to as its ‘Gloucester office’. Angela’s office is in fact an ‘apple core’s throw’ away from the Stroudwater Navigation near Saul Junction. The office is in converted farm buildings at Walk Farm off Church Lane Saul. Equally close is Saul Marina where Angela moors her narrowboat.

Problems solved

The problems created by a combination of a site restricted both by size and land ownership litigation seem to have been solved by Angela’s application of an expertise based upon her impressive engineering qualifications allied to some lateral thinking borne of her own boating experience. The result is a single pylon, manually operated, hydraulic bascule bridge. Raising the 6 tonne bridge deck by manual winding is assisted by a 6 tonne kentledge, or counter weight.

Challenging site

Angela explains, “This is quite a challenging site. It has a very small footprint and the bridge crosses the canal on a skew. There is no longer room for a swingbridge due the close proximity of gas and drainage services. The ‘8 tonne limit’ can no longer apply either as a 30 tonne mobile crane has to have regular access into the woollen mill.”

Artists impression

The results of Angela’s evaluation of the problems and solutions can be seen in the artists’ impression in the second picture above. Cotswold Canals Trust member and accomplished artist Peter Westley produced this drawing from the technical engineering plans.

Striking design

Restoration Manager Dave Marshall of Stroud District Council commented…

"We have put this design forward for planning consent with some enthusiasm for its striking design. There will have to be other lift bridges created on the next phase of the restoration and this single angled pylon design creates the opportunity for an iconic structure to become associated with the Stroudwater Navigation. This is an opportunity to create the heritage of the future if you like."

Find out more

• Click on the images to view larger versions
• Click on the SDC icon to go to the planning application page
• Enter 14/2854/FUL in the Search Criteria box
• When the page opens look for a very small + sign in the left side of the table
• Click on that + sign and the maps, plans & correspondence become available
• Click on the KGAL icon to find out about engineering in the world of water
• Click on the WSP Logo below to see why this busy company needs the bridge!