Cleaning & Protecting Hampton Court Bridge

The challenge

The client brief was clear and the aim was to make an old bridge clean, keeping its character and charm intact.  Our cleaning, and anti graffiti coatings system was needed to keep the parapets looking good for years to come. We needed to take into account a number of factors as the job involved working on an old structure (constructed in the 1930’s), over water, with a high footfall of traffic whilst liaising with a number of parties including; English Heritage, Environment Agency, Surrey County Council and the client.  

What did we do

Following extensive testing the most appropriate cleaning solutions were chosen, this method was approved by all parties and a schedule of work was agreed.  All the traffic management and access challenges were addressed and a detailed briefing pack was formulated to include method statements, risk assessments and working procedures. 

The low pressure/low heat cleaning process enabled the surface of the bridge to be thoroughly cleaned without any damage to the structure. Once cleaned, we applied a clear protective impregnation system to repel all future air/water borne pollution for at least 5 years.  Looking forward, this system will mean the cleanliness of the structures surface will be much easier to maintain.

The outcome

The project was finished on time and to a very high standard. The feedback from the client, Surrey County Council, English Heritage and members of the public has been out-standing.  

The results have been so impressive that it has led to additional work on the adjoining walls and steps, including work on the original bridge wall that was constructed in 1864.  Parts of the bridge are more vulnerable to graffiti and vandalism so Community Clean has restored and protected these areas with anti graffiti paints , correcting methods of bad practise that had been used in the past.