Toad Hole, Spofforth, Harrogate
Complex Bridge Rebuild and Flood Resilience Works in Spofforth
Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd delivered a full bridge refurbishment and environmental reinstatement scheme at Toad Hole, Spofforth. The structure, located within a flood plain and surrounded by sensitive infrastructure, required careful planning, ecological protection, and precision workmanship.
The works were delivered in phases and included excavation, replacement of drainage structures with CSR pipework, concrete works, rebuilding of parapet and spandrel walls, and full road, verge, and boundary reinstatement. Throughout the programme, strict environmental and safety controls were observed due to the presence of nearby watercourses and private water mains.
All masonry was rebuilt using a 1:1:6 mortar mix by our own directly employed craftspeople, ensuring consistent quality. Our in-house surfacing team delivered the final reinstatement of the road, verges, and embankments to exacting standards.
Works Included
- Excavation and removal of manhole rings and brickwork
- New sub-base and CSR pipe installation in concrete surround
- Temporary road, fencing, hedges and boundary wall removal
- Rebuild of masonry stone arch
- Parapet and spandrel walls rebuilt using original stone
- Concrete toe beam and invert installation
- Formation of training walls
- Surfacing reinstatement
- Fence and hedge row reinstatement with post-and-rail fencing
- Verge restoration using topsoil, seed and grass
- All embankments reinstated with granular fill
- Drainage and environmental protection measures
Additional Environmental and Permit Works
- Ecologists employed for wildlife surveys
- Working under Environment Agency permit
- All works adjacent to and over main watercourse
Key Risks / Challenges
- Site located within an active flood plain
- Pollution risk to adjacent watercourse
- Private water mains located either side of the structure
- Maintaining access and structural integrity during works
Collaboration and Value Added
- Masonry walls rebuilt by directly employed team for quality assurance
- Surfacing works completed in-house to maintain schedule
- Close coordination with stakeholders and environmental bodies
Project Achievements
- No accidents or pollution incidents
- Structure safeguarded for the future
- Zero delays and completed under budget
- High-quality finishes across masonry, drainage and surfacing
- Fully restored and re-landscaped to pre-works condition
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