West Sussex County Council: Tollbridge finishes ahead of schedule

Date: Aug 7, 2008

Press Release Number: PR2349

Press releases

After six months of hard work and battling the elements, restoration work to Shoreham Tollbridge is nearing completion. The bridge is due to re-open on Monday August 18, two weeks ahead of schedule.

It was originally expected that the works would be completed by the end of August, in time for the Shoreham Air Show.

The refurbishment works on the Tollbridge are the most comprehensive since the British Railways Corporation sold the bridge to West Sussex County Council in 1970. The aim of the refurbishment is to preserve the bridge, a Grade II* listed structure, for at least another 30 years.

The works were carried out by local contractor Mackley Construction on behalf of West Sussex County Council, with design supervision by Royal Haskoning.

County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy Deborah Urquhart said: “I’d like to thank residents and local businesses for their patience and support while the bridge has been shut the past six months.

“The refurbished bridge will provide a safe and enjoyable crossing for all users and is an important sustainable link for local businesses.”

The County Council has worked closely with the Old Shoreham Tollbridge Community Trust throughout the project.

Chairman of the Old Shoreham Tollbridge Community Trust Liza McKinney said: “I am delighted that everyone can now walk, cycle and ride across the bridge once again. Congratulations to the men from Mackley who despite the rain, hail and mighty winds at the time, have completed the work early.”

Tony Camilleri, Managing Director of Mackley Construction, said: “The Site Teams and management deserve a lot of credit for carrying out an intensive and challenging contract in a very environmentally sensitive area with care, precision and speed.”

There will be a formal opening ceremony in October, with a special guest planned to perform the opening.

Ends

Notes for editors

The restoration work was able to proceed with the support of the Old Shoreham Tollbridge Community Trust, which has raised funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor, Ricardos, the Sussex Downsmen, the ‘Friends’ and many other sponsors.

Other funding is being sought and the Community Trust is working with the County Council to raise funds to cover the outstanding cost of the work.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Tollbridge Restoration Fund should contact Liza McKinney on telephone: 01273 462233, e-mail: elizabeth.mckinney@ntlworld.com or Vera Tickler on telephone: 01273 885994, e-mail: vbviscontours@ntlworld.com. Fundraising events can be found on the Adur District Council website at www.adur.gov.uk under ‘forthcoming events’ as they are announced.