Caerphilly County Borough Council has put out a tender for works to strengthen Penallta Road Bridge. The contract value is estimated at £600,000 excluding VAT, with construction planned over eight weeks from January 4 to February 26, 2027.
Concrete box for lasting support
The contract calls for a principal contractor to build a reinforced concrete box around the existing bridge structure. This box will provide long-term structural support and change how the bridge carries loads.
To ensure full load transfer between the existing bridge and the new concrete box, any gaps will be filled with foam concrete. This material is lightweight and flowable, allowing it to fill voids without adding excessive weight.
The current superstructure will remain in place throughout the works. The new formwork will be permanent, clad on all exposed faces with blockwork covered in blue pennant stone. Mechanical ties will secure the cladding at both ends of the structure.
Project oversight and procurement details
Caerphilly’s Engineering Projects Group is managing the project. They have specified that the works are not a repair but a fundamental alteration to the bridge’s structure and load-bearing behaviour.
The tender is open to small and medium enterprises and is below the relevant procurement threshold. Enquiries must be submitted by 5pm on 28 October 2026, with tender returns due by 2pm on 30 October.
The council anticipates that the contract period will last just under two months.
Still to be confirmed
The tender notice does not disclose why the bridge requires strengthening or what it carries and crosses. Details on traffic management arrangements during the work are also not included.
No contractor has been selected yet. Full tender documents are available on the Find a Tender service.
