
Powick Old Bridge
This Grade I listed bridge was closed February 2024 due to a wing wall collapse. Find out about its restoration here.
Background
The Grade I listed Powick Old Bridge in Worcester was closed in February 2024 to pedestrians and cyclists for safety reasons.
Investigations showed that part of the supporting wingwall collapsed into the River Teme, resulting in loss of material and support for the main bridge section.
The collapse of the bridge, which is also recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is likely caused by recent flooding and a buildup of debris.
According to Historic England, the bridge was constructed before 1447 and was partially rebuilt during the 17th century. It is constructed from stone with brick and is approximately 60m long and up to 7m wide. The bridge has a brick parapet approximately 1m high with chamfered stone coping except on the west where it is interrupted by a road.
Updates during 2025
17 March 2025
The restoration of the historic Powick Old Bridge has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of a temporary support structure to stabilise the bridge’s damaged main arch.
Following extensive preparatory work, including the installation of a platform concrete base on the riverbed to anchor the frame, this nine-metre-long steel structure will now provide essential support without being physically attached to the bridge itself, ensuring compliance with its scheduled monument status.
Crafted primarily from steel and timber, the custom-made support has been carefully shaped to fit around the bridge’s existing masonry, to protect it from further damage. Whilst the temporary structure is now in position, final adjustments will take approximately two weeks to complete.
The support system, which arrived on site last week via a wide-load delivery from a UK manufacturer, marks a crucial phase in the bridge’s restoration.
Powick Old Bridge, which dates back to before 1447 and was partially reconstructed in the 17th century, has been closed to pedestrians and cyclists since February 2024. The restoration project is not just about repairing a bridge; it is about preserving an iconic piece of Worcestershire’s history for generations to come.




5 March 2025
Despite challenging winter weather and multiple flood events, restoration work on the scheduled monument listed Powick Old Bridge is making steady progress, with significant milestones already achieved in preserving this historic landmark.
With approval from key stakeholders, a temporary support design for the main damaged arch on the Hams Way approach has been finalised.
Debris from previous flood events has been safely removed and stored off-site.
Preparatory work on the riverbed ahead of the installation of the temporary structure has now been completed, and backfilling of voids behind the wingwall is underway.
Additionally, Severn Trent Water has successfully completed the overland diversion of the water main crossing the bridge.
Over the coming weeks, the temporary support structure will be delivered and assembled, allowing for further stabilisation work.
Ground investigation work including boreholes, to inform further plans, will also be carried out as soon as conditions allow.