A comprehensive inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) programme has been completed on the Stoke Road Temporary Railway Bridge in Aylesbury, with the findings expected to support long-term structural assessment and maintenance planning.
The bridge, installed in 2011 and designed to carry loads of up to 40 tonnes, underwent detailed evaluation as part of an initiative launched in late 2025 to assess its current condition, identify early-stage defects and estimate its remaining service life.
The inspection programme involved the removal and replacement of approximately 550 high-strength M20 fixings, which secure the bridge’s steel deck panels. Following the removal of these panels, engineers carried out a full NDT survey to evaluate the integrity of critical structural components.
Non-destructive testing methods, including ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspection, were deployed to detect potential flaws such as cracks or material degradation without causing any damage to the structure. The inspection process enabled engineers to assess the condition of the bridge while preserving its operational integrity.
All inspection findings were systematically recorded using photographs, measurements and precise location mapping, creating a detailed dataset to support future maintenance decisions and lifecycle management.
The execution of the inspection required specialised lifting equipment to remove deck panels in a constrained working environment, enabling access to key structural areas for testing. The work was carried out over a five-day period during night-time hours to minimise disruption, with road closures implemented between 8 pm and 6 am.
The project was delivered through collaboration between Buckinghamshire Highways, Balfour Beatty Living Places, AtkinsRéalis, Topbond PLC, and Traffic Safety & Management, with coordination alongside Network Rail to ensure safe operations over the active rail line.
The completion of the NDT-led inspection provides a data-driven understanding of the bridge’s structural condition, enabling targeted maintenance planning and supporting the continued safe operation of a critical transport link.
