Bideford Longbridge is a 24 span medieval masonry arch bridge which has been widened a number of times throughout its history. It was last widened in 1925 by the addition of reinforced concrete beams and slabs which are supported on reinforced concrete corbels projecting from each pier.

The normal inspection regime on bridges in the UK requires a General Inspection to be carried out each year and a more detailed Principal Inspection to be carried out every six years.

From previous inspections carried out on Bideford Longbridge, it was known that the concrete widened sections of the bridge were in poor condition.

It was decided therefore to combine the Principle Inspection with a survey of the extent of defects which would allow the preparation of a programme of repairs. At the same time the cantilever walkway adjacent to the river on the Southwest corner of the bridge was inspected to assess its condition and enable its strength to be assessed.

All UK bridges have to be assessed for their ability to carry larger vehicles which were allowed on the UK network from January 1999. The opportunity was taken to programme the strength assessment of Bideford Longbridge to coincide with the condition inspection which would then also determine if it was worthwhile repairing.

The Inspection was carried out in May 2001 by Devon County Council and a report on the findings was completed in July 2001.

The report confirmed significant deterioration in the condition of the concrete widened sections of the bridge and also the reinforced concrete cantilever walkway at the Southwest corner of the bridge.

The reinforced concrete edge beam is in poor condition, this photo shows corroded reinforcement which has caused the concrete to spall off.	View of longitudinal beam showing cracked concrete and previous concrete repairs.

View of encased steel beam showing significant cracking of the surrounding concrete	View of edge beam showing previous concrete repairs that are now failing
The beams are supported on corbels which  cantilever out from the piers. Many of the corbels are cracked as shown.	View of edge beam showing reinforcement corrosion which has caused concrete to spall away from the soffit.
View of the concrete encased steel beam showing cracking to the concrete and extensive rust staining which is indicative of significant corrosion of the encased steel beam	View of concrete encased steel beam showing spalled concrete and corroded steel