Roads - bridges

Maidstone Borough Council is not responsible for bridges.

This is the responsibility of Kent Highways Services.

How do Kent Highways Services look after bridges?

KCC ensures bridges and structures are safe and fit for purpose by:

• regularly inspecting every structure
• prioritising, planning and carrying out repairs to structures that we own
• setting design standards for the building of any new structures
• making sure our construction standards are met.

Who is responsible for inspection and maintenance?

The bridge owners have overall responsibility for their structures, including carrying out day to day inspections and organising and supervising any maintenance.

How often do Kent Highways Services carry out inspections?

Every two years, Kent Highways Services make general inspections of all its structures, although in special circumstances (such as cast-iron or weight-restricted bridges), they carry out inspections more often.

Every six to 12 years, depending upon the type of structure, principal inspections are carried out. This involves close inspection of all parts of a structure by a chartered engineer, and often means using specialist equipment and closing traffic lanes.

We also look at other agencies' bridges to identify any structural or safety issues which might need their attention in the public interest.

Who sets the standards for and approves new works?

Kent Highway Services carries out the Technical Approval process for all works affecting highway structures on county roads in Kent. As part of this work, a library of standards and guidelines is maintained to enable designers to meet the standards required, and so deliver structures which are safe to use, fit for purpose and sit well in the environment.

Why is it important to maintain them?

Kent Highways Services needs to regularly and carefully maintain bridges and other structures to:

• keep them in good condition
• ensure that they are safe for the public
• confirm that they can carry all the traffic allowed to use them
• protect our heritage.

What maintenance does Kent Highways Services do?

There are three main types of maintenance that we carry out:

Operational maintenance

This is essential for the safe use and operation of a structure and typical activities may include:

• clearing drainage systems
• providing lighting in subways
• putting up height and weight restriction signs.

Routine maintenance

This is needed to combat normal wear and tear and has the added benefit of protecting the structure over time. Works carried out typically include:

• re-painting
• re-pointing
• re-waterproofing
• minor concrete repairs
• anti-scour works
• re-surfacing.

Structural maintenance and upgrading

This is needed as a result of external factors, such as exposure to extreme conditions, old age, change in use or change in structural standards. This includes:

• strengthening
• partial or full reconstruction
• major repairs
• underpinning
• widening
• upgrades.

Kent Highways Services also advise other bridge owners of their responsibilities to the public and make sure they carry out the necessary works. They maintain comprehensive records of all our structures.

What about historic bridges?

There is a rich heritage of old bridges in Kent. Two in Maidstone include several ancient monuments such as Teston and East Farleigh bridges.

These bridges are assessed, maintained and repaired generally to the same standards as all of our other bridges and structures.

However, any work to historic bridges must also meet the strict requirements of English Heritage or Maidstone Borough Council as the local planning authority. Their special status means that any work carried out to make them safe and fit for purpose, must be done without significantly changing their appearance.

Most of the bridges above have undergone major structural repairs and strengthening over the last 25 years, whilst maintaining their visual appeal.

What should I do if I see a vehicle hit a bridge?

If it is a railway bridge, you will find a telephone number on a plaque on the bridge structure. Call this number immediately to contact the rail company urgently.

Do this first, and then contact the Police (dial 999) and Kent Highways Services on 08458 247 800.

Report a problem with a bridge

If you notice a problem with a bridge, please tell us about it using the online fault reporting form.

Important: If the issue is a hazard to public safety or anything else urgent, then call us immediately on 08458 247 800. Do not use the online reporting form.