Blogs Highways Highlight

During Summer 2025, the Council started an extensive programme of structural restoration to Marlow Bridge. These works are important to preserve the structural integrity of bridge for the future and to ensure it continues to be safe for all users.

Since our first weekend closure we having been working with sections of the bridge not seen since the 1960s:

• Challenging river levels began to settle in early March, allowing piling to be completed on the North Abutment by mid-March. This allowed temporary supporting works and lifting systems to be placed on both sides of the Bridge.
• Temporary scaffolding to support the lifting of piers was also completed in early April to both sides. During this period a temporary pontoon was installed to allow members of the Marlow Rowing Club to access the river safely.
• Abutment bearings on both sides of the Bridge were removed during late March and April 2026. With technical on-site surveys completed for the first time since the 1960s. Survey results used to verify and, where necessary, adapt design of the bearings, backing plates and installation method.
• During late April and May, we commenced and completed a full scan of the bridge once the abutment bearings and anchors had been removed. This enabled us to complete precision drilling to allow welded bearing back plates to be installed.
• As part of this work, we also completed electrical works and reconnected the electrical feeder pillars for the streetlighting – which is due to complete in June 2026.
• On-site painting and final installation of the template back plates were completed at the end of May 2026. First batch of bearings received on site at the end of May 2026, with dry fit completed.
• The Team have supported key events during Spring 2026 including Pub in the Park, by reducing their presence on site, handing back parking during the events and moving to weekday and evening closures.
• Our team continues to have a presence within Pound Lane Car Park to support the main phase of works. This area provides essential storage, welfare facilities, and workspaces close to the bridge.

Key works during this time will include:

• Complete the installation of the backing plates to receive the bearings to abutments and piers. This includes detailed technical surveys.
• Receiving final batch of bearings after final off-site testing, delivery to site is expected in June 2026.
• Complete permanent installation of South side abutment and release of local supports and lifting equipment during June and July 2026).
• Lifting of the bridge deck to allow the South side pier to have bearings released and replaced.
• Transition to North side of bridge to complete permanent bearing installation to abutment and piers.
• Continued ecology and specialist monitoring to ensure works continue to follow recommendations.

Throughout Summer 2026, Marlow and the surrounding areas have several key events. To minimise disruption to these events we will be looking to adjust our works plan to complete the remaining structural works during the week and at night (8pm through to 6pm), whilst these events take place.

We are currently planning the following night closures during the week to allow this work to continue:

• 8 June to 12 June
• 15 June to 16 June
• 22 June to 23 June

We will need to also undertake closures over the weekends of 26 to 28 June and the following weekend 4 to 5 July. A further weekday night closure between 13 to 16 July is also planned.

We will continue to look for opportunities to combine works in closure where it is safe and reasonable to do so.

The works do require parking bays to be suspended in and around the site. Parking bays along the High Street (opposite the George & Dragon public house) and Causeway have been suspended to facilitate the works. No vehicles are allowed to park in the area including disabled/blue badge users without dispensation from Parking Services.

To help facilitate the construction works and manage access, we will continue to implement additional traffic management restrictions and enforcement to deter parking.

Contact Parking Team
Tel: 0300 131 6000
Email: [email protected]

To report a problem on the highway in Buckinghamshire, use FixMyStreet

For general queries and information regarding Marlow Bridge maintenance works, get in touch via email: [email protected]

If you wish to receive the latest progress bulletin directly to your inbox, email us with the subject line ‘Marlow Bridge bulletin request’.

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