AUGUSTUS CLOSE BRIDGE REFURBISHMENT August 2016 - May 2017

Augustus Close INTRODUCTION Bridge, May 2017 The refurbishment of the Augustus Close (after completion of works) Bridge was commissioned as part of the £800m PFI contract between the Borough of Hounslow (LBH) and Hounslow Highways. The £1.76m scheme commenced in August 2016 and was completed in May 2017.

The scheme was made up of two bridges, both joined in the middle. They form the Augustus Close road which is the main access to Dock. WHY REFURBISHMENT? Prior to work commencing, the Augustus Close bridge was in a poor condition, was subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction and had a chicane in place to limit loading, which slowed tra c and proved largely unpopular with residents of Brentford Dock.

Strengthening works started in August The completed Ham Bridge works 2016, following a year of investigation and design work. The refurbishment of HISTORY OF BRIDGES the bridge has become the largest structural improvement scheme in Sited on a backwater of the by Hounslow Highways’ ve-year core the Thames, the dock was designed by investment period, and has resulted in Isambard Kingdom . Said to be the both bridges on Augustus Close being last railway project engineered by Brunel, strengthened to a 40 tonne capacity. it also included two structures for access to the docks. One of these original two In addition, Augustus Close is now free of structures remains today. The bridge over weight restrictions, plus local transport the Ham is the original Brunel structure resilience and the resilience of services made from wrought iron. The Grand carried by the structure have been Union Canal bridge would have been signicantly improved. originally designed by Brunel, but since 1850 has slowly been replaced with new sections. CHALLENGES During the refurbishment, a number of PROJECT SUPPORT steel repairs were discovered, making this This scheme would not have been scheme a greater challenge than original- possible without the co-operation of all ly anticipated. This increased the duration the stakeholders involved. of the works, but was required to ensure the new 40 tonne weight limit. The two Hounslow Highways would like to structures are of dierent construction especially thank the following people for and materials. This amounted to 176 their help and time during this project: additional steel repairs, covering over 30 dierent repair techniques, each requir- Local boat owners and Brentford Dock ing their own individual design. Residents – for their patience and under- standing during the road closure and canal narrowing.

Brentford Dock Management – for facilitating meetings and presentations, and helping to keep the residents updated.

London Borough of Hounslow – for their teamwork and support throughout the scheme. Holes identied in steel on the bridge over the

BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES

BRIDGE OPENING CEREMONY The opening of the Augustus Close Bridge will take place on:

Saturday 8th July 2017 at 11am Before works The opening ceremony will be led by:

Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council

After works