One of the busiest bridges in London, the 95-year-old University Drive Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic on Oct. 18 after an engineering firm’s inspection found damage that would jeopardize the bridge if under load during winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. The bearings – which act as cushions between the bridge deck and piers, help the bridge expand, contract and move with changes in traffic load and temperatures – need replacing.
“The more we use the bridge when the bearings aren’t working, the more damage it’s creating and adding to the need for repairs,” said Elizabeth Krische, Western’s Associate Vice-President (Facilities Management). The span remains open to cyclists and pedestrians, and repairs are expected to begin later this month.
Click here to visit the entire collection of 2018 Newsmakers of the Year.