A number of local footbridges have significant problems and are closed to the public. Black Potts timber footbridge over the Jubilee River in Datchet has been closed since mid-2025 due to structural issues. This timber bridge is only about 25 years old and on the verge of collapse. The footpath has been diverted via the main road and the notice uses the word ‘repairs’. Please have a look at the images below and consider whether the word ‘repairs’ is a viable option.
Below is an image of the West end structural issues. The beam is clearly sagging but the question is ‘why’? I closely examined the collapsed remains of the Ashford Lane timber footbridge and it was obvious that due to the removal of material from the beam during the machining of the mortice joints – the remaining material cross-section was left with insufficient strength to cope with the loads. To be clear – the combination of material selection, structural design and manufacture has led to weaknesses that significantly reduce the life of the construction.
Note the clear view through the failed joint below. The beam is being torn apart.
Note the failed East end abutment below. Due to the joint design and construction, there is little material remaining to convey the applied loads. Water ingress into the joint has facilitated and accelerated timber rot.
Another failed joint below
Below shows the nearside vertical member tearing out of the South-side beam and a significant vertical gap between the far side diagonal and the North-side beam.
You may wish to visit the footbridge in order to view the issues for yourself. This is your money – past, present and future! The key question: Is it cheaper and safer to dismantle the bridge while it is still standing – or just wait until it has collapsed?