Timber footbridge collapse sparks safety concerns

The partial collapse of a footbridge into a river has sparked concerns about structural failures affecting timber crossings.

The Ashford Lane footbridge over the Jubilee River, near Taplow, Buckinghamshire, was partially submerged in the water on 26 June.

Dorney Parish Council has claimed Buckinghamshire Council failed "to act on professional recommendations" and not implementing adequate security measures around the footbridge.

Buckinghamshire Council said: "Our main concern is for the safety of anyone using the bridges or the river and so the immediate next steps for the Ashford Lane bridge is to remove the collapsed section and ensure the remainder is secure or removed."

A number of footbridges were built when the Jubilee River, a man-made flood relief channel, was constructed around the turn of the century.

The river, which runs through parts of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, was designed to divert excess water from the River Thames and reduce the risk of flooding in nearby towns.

Ashford Lane footbridge was closed in 2023 by an emergency order due to structural failings.

A report the following year highlighted a complete failure of main deck timbers and the footbridge's "very poor" overall condition.

The Berry Hill footbridge, which sits over the Jubilee River in Taplow, was also closed in 2021 due to structural failure.

Ewan Larcombe, a councillor at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and the leader of the National Flood Prevention Party, said poor design, environmental exposure and underfunded maintenance should raise questions about the long-term durability of the bridges over the Jubilee River.

Larcombe said the mortice and tenon joints used in the bridges' construction allow water ingress and accelerate decay.

In a letter seen by the BBC, Buckinghamshire Council responded to Larcombe's concerns about the Berry Hill footbridge, confirming a replacement of the centre section with metal, while the "two end sections are sound and there are no concerns about their integrity".

The authority added that it inspects structures under its responsibility and makes decisions on repairs based on those inspections.

Larcombe believed that more fundamental issues remain unresolved.

"In my opinion both the frequency and the process of timber bridge inspection are areas of immediate concern," he said, calling for a broader review of maintenance practices and funding to prevent further failures.

Thomas Broom, the cabinet member for transport and deputy leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: "Berry Hill and Ashford Lane footbridges were designed and constructed for the Environment Agency as part of the Jubilee River flood channel scheme before being handed over to the former Buckinghamshire County Council for adoption.

"The entire centre span of Berry Hill was replaced last year, and the other two sections are in a fit for purpose condition.

"The Ashford Lane bridge was identified as being in an unsafe condition at the end of 2023 and was subsequently closed whilst plans to replace the bridge were progressed."

"The issues with both bridges were identified during routine inspections.

"We are obviously disappointed that these timber structures have had such serious issues before the end of their original design life, and are aware this is an issue for a number of bridges over the Jubilee River of similar age. "

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