Thomson Protective Coatings – Protecting a Piece of History With Stifford Bridge Refurbishment

A bridge built in 1487 still carries traffic over the River Mardyke in Romford. Thomson Protective Coatings has just completed corrosion protection works on the seven steel troughs that now form its deck.

Thomson Protective Coatings has successfully completed a specialist protective coatings project on Stifford Bridge, a historic structure spanning the River Mardyke in Romford.

With a history stretching back more than five centuries, the bridge is believed to have originally been constructed in 1487, making it an important piece of local heritage as well as a functioning part of the area’s infrastructure network.

The single-span structure measures approximately 9.2 metres in length, with its deck consisting of seven longitudinal spanning steel troughs. As with any steel structure exposed to the elements, protecting the underlying steelwork from corrosion is essential to maintaining its structural integrity, extending its operational life and reducing the need for more extensive future maintenance.

Thomson Protective Coatings was appointed to deliver specialist corrosion protection works, helping to ensure that the bridge remains protected for years to come.

The project began with abrasive blast cleaning of the bridge’s steelwork. This important surface preparation process was completed in accordance with BS EN ISO 8501 standards, providing the appropriate level of preparation required ahead of the application of the new protective coating system.

Effective surface preparation is fundamental to the long-term performance of any protective coating system. By removing existing contaminants, corrosion and deteriorated coatings, abrasive blasting provides a clean and suitably prepared surface to which the new coating can effectively adhere.

Once the steelwork had been prepared to the required standard, Thomson Protective Coatings applied a Highways England-approved Series 5000 compliant protective coating system.

The coating system provides a robust barrier against corrosion and the environmental conditions faced by the bridge, helping to protect the seven longitudinal steel troughs that form an integral part of the structure’s deck.

For an historic structure such as Stifford Bridge, effective maintenance and protection are particularly important. While the bridge has stood for centuries, its continued use depends on careful management and investment to ensure its structural components remain in good condition.

The completed works will provide long-term corrosion protection, helping to extend the service life of the bridge while reducing the requirement for intensive maintenance in the future. This approach not only helps protect the asset itself but also supports the continued safety and reliability of an important piece of local infrastructure.

The project is another example of the specialist expertise Thomson Protective Coatings brings to bridge maintenance and infrastructure protection. From surface preparation and abrasive blasting through to the application of high-performance protective coating systems, the company’s work helps clients safeguard valuable steel structures and maximise their operational lifespan.

Stifford Bridge may have been constructed more than 500 years ago, but maintaining its modern steelwork requires specialist knowledge, technical expertise and a commitment to quality. By delivering a Series 5000 compliant protective coating system, Thomson Protective Coatings has helped ensure that this historic bridge is equipped to withstand the challenges of its environment for many years to come.

The successful completion of the project once again highlights the importance of proactive corrosion protection in preserving the UK’s infrastructure. By investing in the maintenance and protection of existing assets, structures such as Stifford Bridge can continue to serve local communities while retaining their place within the country’s rich history.

Thomson Protective Coatings would like to thank its skilled team for their hard work and professionalism in delivering another successful project, combining specialist surface preparation and protective coatings expertise to help safeguard a unique and important bridge for the future.