A scheme carried out under the direction of Pembrokeshire County Council to strengthen the Cleddau Bridge using a unique technique, has received an award.
The 'Historic Bridge Award 2001' recognises excellence and innovation and is sponsored by a number of notable authorities, including the Institution of Civil Engineers, County Surveyors Society and English Heritage.
The Cleddau Bridge carries the A477 over the Milford Haven waterway between Pembroke Dock and Neyland and comprises a continuous steel box girder with an overall span of 820 metres supported on six reinforced concrete columns and two abutments.
A detailed inspection and assessment by the county council's consultant, Flint and Neill Partnership, in 1998 recommended that the tops of the columns - up to 40 metres above water level - should be strengthened to meet current highway standards.
The solution adopted consisted of several layers of high strengthen bonded carbon fibre fabric combined with 36 high tensile steel bars at the top of each column.
It is believed to be the United Kingdom's first major bridge strengthening project to employ this particular combined technique.
The £114,000 project was undertaken by specialist contractor Concrete Repairs Ltd., supported by specialist designer Tony Gee and Partners.
The project was recognised by the awarding body as demonstrating appreciation of the original design concept and structural form, minimum visual impact, economy of materials/labour, excellence in workmanship, minimum traffic disruption and competent overall management of the project.