Major maintenance works: Marlow Bridge
About the works
We'll start an extensive programme of restoration and improvements to Marlow Bridge (which is a Grade I listed structure) in spring 2025.
These are routine works, with the last major works completed between 1965 and 1966.
Location of works
Marlow Bridge spans the River Thames between Marlow and Bisham. The works will cover the full length.
Aims and benefits
The bridge is an iconic part of the town, but over time it has suffered from wear and tear. These works are important to preserve the bridge for the future.
Our key priorities during these works are to:
- ensure it continues to be safe for road users and pedestrians
- preserve the features of the bridge, considering the Grade 1 Listing
- ensure it continues to have structural integrity
Working with heritage teams and local clubs
We've consulted Heritage England and local heritage teams about the plans.
We've also been working with local clubs (including the Marlow Canoe Club and Marlow Rowing Club) to provide temporary relocation of storage and clubhouse facilities while the works are ongoing.
Dates and timescales
We'll continue to update this section when further dates are confirmed. This will include details of road closures.
Tell us about upcoming events in Marlow
We'll minimise the impact of works where possible.
If you're aware of any key dates or events happening (local to Marlow), email us the details on [email protected]. This will help us to plan for them.
January 2025
In advance of the main works starting, we've placed a large concrete weight (called a Kentledge) on the bridge.
This is to reduce movement of the existing bearings during the works. This should not affect traffic or pedestrians.
Late spring 2025 to December 2025
The works will happen in phases.
Phase 1
This will focus on structural repairs, with replacement of the 12 bearings that support the bridge deck. The new bearings are designed to last for 50 years and are critical to the continued safe operation of the bridge.
Phase 2
Alongside the replacement of the bearings, we'll complete the final stage of restoration of the steelwork on the underside of the bridge. This includes the cleaning and reinstatement of protective coatings.
Using the bridge during the works
You'll be able to use the bridge during most of the works.
Traffic management will be in place as needed to protect pedestrians, road users and works teams.
We'll contact local communities about further closures when they're scheduled.
2026 to 2027
We're finalising designs for the topside of the bridge.
This will include:
- renewed walkways
- renewed lighting
- restoration of the masonry tower
- painting
- other safety and visual improvements
We'll provide more information about these works in future.
Throughout the works, maintenance teams are regularly visiting the bridge to ensure any immediate concerns are addressed.
Sign up for updates
We'll update this page with any important changes.
You can also sign up to receive our regular Highways Highlight report for updates.
Contact us about the works
Email: [email protected]
FAQs
View more information in the frequently asked questions below:
How will this affect traffic, public transportation and pedestrians?
For most of the works in 2025, the bridge will remain open to both traffic and pedestrians.
Short, time-bound closures will be required where advance warning will be given to local residents. This will be via:
- signs
- this webpage
- social media
- one.network
We'll use night closures and off-peak hours where possible to minimise impact on local residents where it is reasonable and safe to do so.
For the works in 2026 (on the topside of the bridge), we're currently planning this and will update this page.
Are alternative routes being arranged, and how will they be signposted?
Diversions will be clearly sign-posted in advance.
We'll update this page with the dates and details, as well as updating our social media channels.
Is the bridge safe to use until the repairs begin?
Yes, the bridge is considered safe to use for both vehicles and pedestrians under the vehicle restrictions, with regular inspections being completed to review any condition changes.
The works are important for ensuring the bridge remains safe long-term (within existing weight restrictions).
If the bridge was considered unsafe, we would take immediate action to restrict access.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety during construction?
Traffic management will be in place where needed, to keep traffic and people safely removed from active works.
This will be clearly marked, with advance notice when it's possible.
We're supporting Marlow Rowing Club and Marlow Canoe Club in finding alternative temporary storage to keep them clear of active works risks. They will be returned on completion of works.
Will the repairs address long-term structural concerns?
Works will address immediate structural concerns to keep the bridge operating safely. To keep the bridge operational long-term, continued maintenance is required.
We regularly review our continual maintenance plan.
How is the repair work being funded?
Capital funding (long-term investment) allocated to support the ongoing maintenance and operations of the network will be used.
What consideration has been given to local ecology (for example nesting birds) in the planning of these works?
We've considered this in our planning. The existing netting on the bridge which discourages nesting, has been repaired and replaced (in December 2024), ahead of nesting season in the spring.
We've also carried out ecological surveys to understand and mitigate any negative impact on the wider ecology in the area.
How will the project minimise disruption to the local environment?
We're working with our ecology teams to ensure we have minimal impact on local wildlife including:
- minimising any presence within the water
- minimising noise where possible
- restricted night-time works lighting
- bird netting renewed in advance of nesting season
- protect contaminants from entering the water
Are there plans to incorporate eco-friendly materials or designs?
We're working with our supply chain members to minimise the sustainability impact of this scheme, including works alongside our ecology teams.
However, our designs (including the materials we can use) are heavily constrained because the structure is Grade 1 listed. This is to ensure we preserve the historic integrity of the bridge.
Will the decoration of the bridge reflect the town’s heritage or involve public consultation?
Yes, the decoration of the bridge will reflect the town’s heritage. Our Heritage Team has been heavily involved in developing the scheme. Alongside our counterparts from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Historic England.
We'll restore the bridge in line with its original features. However, due to the specific requirements for a Grade 1 structure, we won't conduct any further public consultation.
We're developing the programme for decorative works. These will start after the structural works are finished. We estimate this will be in 2026 to 2027.
How can residents stay informed about the project’s progress?
We'll update this page with any important dates.
Significant updates will be included in the Highways Highlight report.
Any upcoming road closures will also be added to:
- our social media channels (Facebook and X) for:
- Buckinghamshire Highways (@buckshighways)
- Buckinghamshire Council (@buckscouncil)
- our weekly roadworks updates page
- one.network
- social media channels for relevant Community Boards
Will there be opportunities for public feedback or involvement in decision-making?
Works being undertaken are restorative only.
Due to the Grade 1 nature of the structure, the works are prescriptive and led by requirements from the Heritage Teams acting in-line with Historic England constraints. Therefore we'll be unable to open proposed works to public consultation.
However, we're keen to minimise impact to local residents with road closures.
Email us if you know of any key local events: [email protected]
Who can we contact if we have concerns or suggestions?
Email: [email protected]
What is the plan for ongoing maintenance after the repair?
As part of current works, we're renewing our long-term maintenance plan. This will account for the impact of current works, detailing:
- proposed vehicle weight restrictions
- ongoing maintenance requirements
How often will inspections be conducted to prevent similar issues in the future?
Structural inspection programmes will continue to be conducted every 2 years, including a more detailed inspection every 6 years UK standards (CS 450, DMRB).