A HISTORICALLY important bridge which partially collapsed almost a year ago has finally been repaired.

Dorset County Council engineers have celebrated the successful repairs to Grade II-listed Wool Bridge which crosses the River Frome at Wool.

The Elizabethan bridge features in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles and according to Historic England is the best preserved bridge in Dorset which dates back to the 16th century.

It is closed to traffic but is used by pedestrians and cyclists.

It is unclear why the bridge collapsed, however it was reported that a crack in the bridge had developed over the Christmas period last year.

A ten-month project employed specialist equipment and professional expertise from the public and private sector to ensure a sympathetic and long-lasting repair.

This was after emergency stabilisation works saw gabion bags of stone put in place.

Jack Wiltshire, Dorset Highways contracts manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work we have carried out on Wool Bridge and we’re pleased to have worked with individuals who are experts in their field. This partnership approach has ensured a seamless and long-lasting repair to this much-loved bridge.”

Engineers from Dorset Highways designed the repairs required, with work lead by county council operatives and supported by Mark Farwell Plant Hire and G&P Services.

Access to the damaged area was provided thanks to OnSite Portadam and pedestrian access maintained with a temporary footbridge set up by South Western Scaffolding.

Sheet piles, to protect the bridge foundations from future erosion, were supplied and installed by Suttle Projects.

Mabey Hire supplied the formwork for the new concrete retaining wall, and provided technical assistance during its construction.

Throughout the works, Wessex Archaeology has provided a ‘watching brief’ in case of any significant finds and to chart the history of the notable bridge.

Damaged stonework was replaced with stone provided and cut by Haysom Purbeck Stone, and the original lime mortar was chemically and microscopically analysed and replicated by Rose of Jericho.

Although the damaged wall and arch of the bridge have now been reinforced and repaired, the road surface over the bridge will be resurfaced next week – completing the project.

The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday, December 5 so that the asphalt can be laid in one section.