Seven steel troughs forming the deck of Stifford Bridge now have fresh corrosion protection following a specialist coating project. The bridge, constructed in 1487, still carries traffic over the River Mardyke in Romford.
The single-span bridge measures about 9.2 metres in length. Its deck consists of seven longitudinal steel troughs, critical to supporting traffic loads. Protecting these steel elements from corrosion is vital to maintain structural strength and prolong the bridge’s service life.
Abrasive Blast Cleaning to BS EN ISO 8501
Thomson Protective Coatings started the refurbishment by abrasive blast cleaning the steelwork. This process, done to BS EN ISO 8501 standards, removes surface contaminants, existing corrosion, and old coatings. It prepares the steel to create a clean, roughened profile for coating adhesion.
Effective surface preparation is essential to the long-term performance of protective coatings. Without it, coatings can fail prematurely, leading to early corrosion and costly repairs.
Series 5000-Compliant Coating System
Once prepared, a Highways England-approved Series 5000 protective coating system was applied. This system is designed to withstand UK environmental conditions and provide a robust barrier against corrosion.
The coating protects the steel troughs that form the bridge deck, ensuring their continued load-bearing capability. Such coatings also reduce the need for future intensive maintenance.
Maintaining a Historic Asset
Though more than five centuries old, Stifford Bridge’s ongoing use depends on maintaining its modern steel elements. The corrosion protection work supports the structural integrity and longevity of the bridge.
By protecting this asset, the project helps sustain safety and reliability for road users and preserves a significant piece of local heritage.
Specialist Expertise in Bridge Protection
Thomson Protective Coatings provides surface preparation, abrasive blasting, and high-performance protective coatings for steel infrastructure. This project highlights the importance of targeted maintenance in preserving the UK’s ageing infrastructure.
Maintaining historic bridges like Stifford requires technical knowledge and careful application of approved protective systems. The Series 5000 coating ensures the steel deck will resist corrosion and environmental challenges for years to come.
Protecting existing assets through such corrosion control measures supports longer service lives, cost-effective maintenance regimes and safer roads across the country.
