From scour-induced collapse to enhanced load capacity

Masonry arch repair and reinforcement completed without traffic disruption

Insurer: Cheshire East Council. Location: Mill House Bridge, Cheshire. Completed: 2026

The challenge

Mill House Bridge on the A523 is a critical masonry arch structure within the local highway network. Following a partial collapse caused by scour-related undermining of the south-east abutment, the bridge required urgent repair and strengthening to restore safe operation and meet modern highway loading standards.

Severe structural failure and foundation settlement problems

Southbound traffic on the A523 was significantly impacted when the bridge suffered a collapsed voussoir and scour-affected abutment. Weight and width restrictions were in place as a result of the understrength arch barrel.

Specialist Bridge division of STRESS appointed by Cheshire East Council

Goldhawk is the specialist bridge division of STRESS’ (Structural Repairs and Specialist Services Ltd). Goldhawk were appointed to assess the damage, design a remedial solution and deliver the works while keeping the bridge open to traffic. Our team’s investigations identified scour beneath the south-east abutment, causing loss of support and failure of part of the arch barrel and spandrel wall. The bridge was also found to be incapable of carrying SV80 abnormal vehicle loading.

How we facilitated the bridge works by diverting the river

STRESS’ Goldhawk bridge division designed and installed a bespoke flume system to divert river water away from the affected abutments, enabling safe underpinning and reconstruction works.

Three key points of our historic bridge repair solution

1. Scour remediation and underpinning beneath the south-east abutment.
2. Reconstruction of the collapsed voussoir, arch barrel and spandrel wall using matching sandstone masonry.
3. Installation of a MARS (Masonry Arch Reinforcement System) to strengthen the arch and improve load sharing between the three arch barrels.

Benefits and results of the completed contract

Restoration of safe highway traffic operation with increased resilience against future scour-related deterioration.

We achieved compliance with CS 458 SV80 abnormal vehicle loading requirements whilst preserving the bridge’s historic appearance.

The service life was considerably extended with a reduction in future maintenance requirements.

Delivering client value with minimised risk

This project demonstrates the benefits of our consult-to-contract approach, providing a single point of responsibility from investigation and design through to construction and delivery. By combining structural assessment, scour remediation design, heritage-sensitive reconstruction and specialist strengthening works within one coordinated solution. STRESS’ Goldhawk team reduced programme complexity, minimised risk and delivered greater value for the client.

The reasons why Cheshire East Council selected STRESS’ Goldhawk Bridge Division

• A single point of responsibility from concept through construction.
• Reduced project timescales through integrated design and delivery.
• Lower overall costs by cutting out administrative middle men and avoiding delays.
• Less disruption and administrative burden for the client.
• A compliant, resilient highway asset with enhanced load-carrying capacity.
• Preservation of the bridge’s historic character while improving long-term performance.

From local authorities through to Tier 1 contractors, this project highlights how our consult-to-contract model provides a practical, cost-effective solution.