Rapid Bridge Stabilisation Works in Powys

Rapid Response and Structural Stabilisation for Powys County Council

April 2026

Kaymac Marine & Civil Engineering has successfully delivered urgent stabilisation works at Newydd Bridge in Trecastle, following appointment by Powys County Council to address critical structural concerns affecting this essential rural crossing.

Responding to an Urgent Infrastructure Challenge

Newydd Bridge had been significantly impacted by a combination of environmental and structural issues. A substantial accumulation of debris within the watercourse, coupled with failure of the bridge’s cutwater and evident riverbed scour, posed an immediate threat to the structure’s stability and public safety.

Swift and decisive action was required to prevent further deterioration and enable the safe reopening of the bridge to the local community.

Rapid Mobilisation and Immediate Intervention

Kaymac’s team mobilised quickly to site, implementing a coordinated programme of emergency works to stabilise the structure.

Initial activities included:

Removal of large volumes of debris from the watercourse
Installation of temporary stabilisation measures, including strops and bracing
Protection of the failed cutwater using membranes and geomesh
Securing necessary permits from Natural Resources Wales

These early interventions ensured the bridge was made safe while longer-term engineered solutions were developed.

Delivering Engineered, Long-Term Solutions

Following site clearance, our team undertook detailed investigations, including trial holes to assess riverbed conditions. With no bedrock identified, a tailored scour protection solution was designed and installed.

This included:

Submerged rock bags to stabilise the riverbed
Layered rock mattresses to reinforce and protect the cutwater
Integrated tying systems to ensure long-term resilience

All works were carried out within a live water environment, demonstrating Kaymac’s expertise in delivering complex marine and riverine engineering solutions.

Supporting Safe Reopening of the Bridge

In addition to permanent remedial works, Kaymac designed and installed a temporary works solution to facilitate the controlled reopening of the bridge.

A key element of this solution was the installation of an RMD Megashor modular propping system beneath the central pier, providing essential structural support to the bridge deck and beams.

This enabled:

Immediate load relief to compromised structural elements
A safe platform for future permanent repair works
Controlled reopening of the bridge under restricted traffic conditions

Temporary traffic management measures, including width and weight restrictions, were also implemented to ensure continued public safety.

Demonstrating Agility, Expertise and Delivery

This project highlights Kaymac’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging infrastructure challenges, combining in-house engineering expertise with practical, efficient site delivery.

From emergency stabilisation through to the implementation of engineered temporary works, our team delivered a seamless end-to-end solution under challenging conditions—ensuring the protection of a vital community asset and enabling its safe return to service.