When bridges need strengthening after vehicle strikes – finding the limits

Client: Surrey County Council. Main Contractor: Ringway. Location: Surrey. Completed: 2025

Surrey County Council appointed STRESS Goldhawk Bridge Division to strengthen the historic Jacks Bridge using MARS and HeliBar technology. The repair instantly proved its resilience when a reinforced section survived a subsequent vehicle strike intact. Proactive strengthening of masonry arch bridges reduces long-term maintenance costs and extends service life, offering a sustainable alternative to reactive, repeated repairs.

For many masonry arch bridges, the first vehicle strike isn’t the last. Repeated impacts can weaken parapets, accelerate deterioration and increase maintenance costs. The question isn’t always if another strike will happen but when. Jacks Bridge in Surrey provided an example of why proactive strengthening can make all the difference.

Surrey County Council’s bridge maintenance challenges

Following a vehicle strike, Ringway carried out the initial repair works at Jacks Bridge on behalf of Surrey County Council. Recognising the importance of protecting the bridge for the future, Surrey County Council appointed STRESS Goldhawk bridge division to deliver structural strengthening as part of its bridge maintenance programme, helping to improve resilience while preserving the historic masonry structure.

Historic bridge restoration and structural strengthening methods

The solution delivered a comprehensive strengthening scheme incorporating:

• MARS (Masonry Arch Reinforcement System)
• HeliBar reinforcement
• Specialist masonry repairs.
• Full repointing

Rather than replacing a valuable historic asset, the bridge was strengthened to extend its service life, reduce future maintenance requirements and provide a more sustainable, cost-effective solution.

Post-strengthening collision proves structural resilience

As the project was nearing completion, another vehicle struck the bridge parapet. While the unreinforced section sustained damage the reinforced section remained intact, preventing significant structural damage. This unexpected impact demonstrates the value of strengthening before and not after the next collision occurs.

Benefits of proactive asset management for historic bridges

Every bridge owner faces the same challenge:

• Repeated vehicle strikes.
• Ageing masonry infrastructure.
• Increasing maintenance costs.
• Pressure to preserve historic assets while managing budgets.

Strengthening existing structures can reduce future repair requirements, extend service life and provide greater resilience without the cost and disruption of bridge replacement. By investing in proactive strengthening, Surrey County Council improved the resilience of Jacks Bridge while preserving its historic character. The project demonstrates how targeted structural reinforcement can help bridge owners move from reactive repairs to long term asset management protecting infrastructure before the next impact occurs.