Strengthen the bridge to look as it does now

The existing reinforced concrete widening scheme constructed in 1925 will be removed but following consultations with English Heritage it is not considered appropriate to attempt to widen the existing roadway and footways as the additional overhang will throw more of the original bridge into shadow and would also make the bridge look top heavy.

This option does not have the advantage of separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles.

The bridge would be strengthened using a combination of modern steel and concrete materials with the intention of achieving a similar appearance to the existing structure. A strengthened masonry parapet would be constructed along the edge of the bridge to match the existing.

New lighting will be installed on the bridge to provide a higher standard of illumination and to emphasise the historic structure at night as with option 2.

Despite a significant investment most of Devon County Council's objectives would not have been met and the chance of revealing and enhancing the original form of the bridge would have been missed.

Computer generated close up view of bridge as it will look after strengthening	Computer generated long distance view of bridge as it will look after strengthening.

Benefits

• Protects the long term future of the bridge.
• Can be used as an alternative route should the Torridge Bridge be closed.
• Keeps the appearance of the structure unchanged.