News: Bridge removal will reduce flood risk for Rotherham town centre
A Grade II listed bridge is being removed this week to help reduce the flood risk for Rotherham town centre.
Removing the Old River Don Bridge will reduce high river water levels by between 670mm and 450mm over the stretch between the old bridge and upstream to Tesco weir and beyond.
This will reduce the risk for businesses in the area – many of whom were badly affected in the June 2007 floods. At the same time it will not make the flood position elsewhere worse by passing on the water.
Tim Cole, the chair of Regional Flood Defence Committee, said: "The Regional Flood Defence Committee are delighted to work in partnership with Yorkshire Forward and Rotherham Borough Council on such a beneficial scheme.
"This bridge removal will reduce the flood risk in Central Rotherham and so encourage regeneration and development of the business centre."
Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation Cllr Gerald Smith said: "In the floods of 2007, the bridge caused significant damming due to it collecting debris.
"This led to higher water levels and problems for the businesses on Rawmarsh Road and increased the problems further upstream towards the town centre.
"Removing the bridge will ease water levels and reduce the risk of floods. This will support locally based companies and the huge riverside regeneration through Renaissance."
Also known as the Grafton Bridge, it dates back to 1876 and closed to motor vehicles in 1998 due to serious corrosion.
In recognition of its listed status it is planned to re-use around 80% of the existing stone elements and the works are scheduled to last 20 weeks, completing in March 2010.
Rotherham Renaissance website
Rotherham
Removing the Old River Don Bridge will reduce high river water levels by between 670mm and 450mm over the stretch between the old bridge and upstream to Tesco weir and beyond.
This will reduce the risk for businesses in the area – many of whom were badly affected in the June 2007 floods. At the same time it will not make the flood position elsewhere worse by passing on the water.
Tim Cole, the chair of Regional Flood Defence Committee, said: "The Regional Flood Defence Committee are delighted to work in partnership with Yorkshire Forward and Rotherham Borough Council on such a beneficial scheme.
"This bridge removal will reduce the flood risk in Central Rotherham and so encourage regeneration and development of the business centre."
Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation Cllr Gerald Smith said: "In the floods of 2007, the bridge caused significant damming due to it collecting debris.
"This led to higher water levels and problems for the businesses on Rawmarsh Road and increased the problems further upstream towards the town centre.
"Removing the bridge will ease water levels and reduce the risk of floods. This will support locally based companies and the huge riverside regeneration through Renaissance."
Also known as the Grafton Bridge, it dates back to 1876 and closed to motor vehicles in 1998 due to serious corrosion.
In recognition of its listed status it is planned to re-use around 80% of the existing stone elements and the works are scheduled to last 20 weeks, completing in March 2010.
Rotherham Renaissance website
Rotherham
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