PLANS to protect the foundations of the historic Shaldon Bridge from further erosion have been submitted as part of Devon County Council’s ongoing programme of maintenance.

Submitted by Devon County Council, the application - reference 26/01323/LBC - is seeking to obtain Listed Building Consent from Teignbridge Council for work to the bridge, pictured.

The Grade II listed bridge, which crosses the Teign Estuary between Teignmouth and Shaldon, is an important transport link for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

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

The proposed works are intended to address ongoing scour – the erosion and removal of material from the seabed around the bridge’s foundations – which has been identified during recent inspections and underwater surveys.

Devon County Council says recurring scour has been found around the foundations of several piers, including significant erosion close to areas that have previously been repaired.

Localised scour has also been identified beneath the lifting span pier, along with evidence of seabed material being washed away around other foundation elements.

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

The proposed scheme will focus on the immediate area around the lifting span pier and is designed to provide additional protection, while limiting intervention to the historic structure.

The works will involve the temporary removal of existing breakwater stones before sheet piles are installed around the lifting span 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.

Once the work is complete, the breakwater stones will be reinstated.

According to the council, the layout has been designed to minimise the impact on the listed bridge while providing effective protection against further scour.

The bridge is expected to remain open throughout the proposed works.

Construction will take place beneath the existing bridge 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 traffic lane and one pedestrian footway, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

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

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

The works are expected to result in only minor and temporary disruption, with no permanent changes proposed to the way the bridge operates.

The project is being brought forward as part of the council’s responsibility to maintain the important historic transport link and protect its foundations from the continuing effects of erosion in the estuary.

Teignbridge Council are expected to make a decision by October 23.

For more information, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01323/LBC’ into the search-box.