WORK to safeguard the long-term future of historic Shaldon Bridge has been approved, following concerns about erosion around its foundations.

Teignbridge Council has granted listed building consent for a scheme submitted by Devon County Council to protect the Grade II listed crossing, pictured, from further erosion of the seabed around its supporting piers.

Shaldon Parish Council raised no objection to the application, reference 26/01323/LBC.

The bridge spans the Teign Estuary between Teignmouth and Shaldon, providing an important transport link for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Its lifting span also allows marine traffic to navigate the estuary.

The proposed work follows recent inspections and underwater surveys that identified continuing scour around several of the bridge’s foundations.

Scour occurs when water erodes and washes away material from the seabed surrounding a structure’s foundations.

Devon County Council has reported significant erosion near areas that have previously been repaired, as well as localised scour beneath the lifting span pier.

Although the bridge remains operational, the county council says continued erosion could pose a risk to the long-term stability of the pier foundations if it is not addressed.

The approved scheme will focus on the area around the lifting span pier, providing additional protection, while aiming to minimise the impact on the historic structure.

The work will involve temporarily removing existing breakwater stones, before installing sheet piles around the pier.

Tie-back anchors will then be fitted, followed by the construction of a reinforced concrete beam connecting the new sheet pile system to the existing pier.

The breakwater stones will be reinstated once the work has been completed.

According to the council, the design has been developed to provide effective protection against further scour, while limiting intervention in the listed bridge.

The bridge is expected to remain open throughout construction, with work taking place beneath the existing deck and around the lifting span pier.

However, temporary traffic management measures may be required during some operations, including concrete deliveries and pumping.

These could involve the temporary closure of one lane of traffic and one pedestrian footway, with traffic controlled by lights..

The council says access for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be maintained wherever practicable during the works.

Marine access and navigation will also be maintained as far as possible.

Any disruption is expected to be minor and temporary, with no permanent changes planned to the way the bridge operates.

The project forms part of Devon County Council’s ongoing maintenance programme and its responsibility to protect the historic transport link against the continuing effects of erosion in the estuary.

The planning consent requires the permitted works to begin within three years of the date of permission.