Jiggers Bank, retaining walls
Major structure maintenance - retaining wall
Repairs of a 160m length of wall that supports Jigger’s Bank in Coalbrookdale have begun.
The project is part of the council’s ongoing investment into roads and footpaths and these essential works will include the partial reconstruction of collapsed sections of wall and the installation of over 100, 10m long galvanised steel ground anchors.
Much of the work will not be visible from the road as the foundations supporting the retaining wall will be the focus of the work.
The project is being delivered by Telford & Wrekin Council's principal contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places and ground anchor specialists Vertical Technologies as well as a number of associated sub-contractors.
Funding has been made available from the highway capital programme as part of the council’s ‘Pride in Our Community’ programme to make the borough a better place to live, work and do business.
This is a complex project that has been planned for several months. Due to the duration of this project, finding the most suitable window for delivery has been a challenge with other infrastructure projects being undertaken across the Ironbridge Gorge as well as other factors such as flooding.
Watch our YouTube video about Jiggers Bank (Matt Day Update):
Traffic Management
Businesses in Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale will remain open as usual with a 24 hour road closure and diversion in place for the duration from Jiggers Bank Roundabout (near Ironbridge Park and Ride) to the north end of Wellington Road and the Cherry Tree Hill junction. Access to Cherry Tree Hill is restricted to Coalbrookdale residents only.
Access to attractions
All businesses and attractions in the Ironbridge Gorge will be open as usual with access via Dale End and Wellington Road.
For general enquiries please email Highways@Telford.gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the project staring now?
This complex project has required extensive investigations to inform designs along with monitoring to give a clear understanding of movement in the area. This means the design has evolved over time. Given the location, discussions in relation to heritage and conservation as well ecology have also been agreed prior to work being signed off.
Several other infrastructure projects have taken place across the Ironbridge Gorge, restricting time available for delivery. Risk relating to flooding and access has also influenced the timing of this project.
2. What work will take place during the estimated 26 weeks?
Numerous contractors will carry out a range of work which will be coordinated to ensure the project is completed safely. More than 100 anchors will be installed into the bedrock of the road. This process will take a large proportion of the 26-week programme.
There may be some unforeseen challenges due to the area’s geology and the programme has anticipated these risks. The programme will be kept under review and updates will be provided on progress.
3. Why is the road closure necessary? Why can't traffic lights be used?
The load from traffic needs to be removed whilst work is undertaken. Safe working zones as well as sufficient space for equipment and loading is also required for the duration of the project.
If opportunities arise to open the road as work progresses, this will be considered.
4. Is there a plan in case of flooding?
Yes. Our approach will depend on the severity of flooding. Should Buildwas Road become flooded, we have contingency plans to halt work at Jiggers Bank and re-open the road under two-way lights. Any delays will increase the programme duration and consequently cost, significantly.
5. Why is access to Cherry Tree Hill for residents only?
This narrow road with no pavement for much of its length and is not suitable for the volume of traffic Jiggers Bank carries. There is also a low bridge at the bottom of Cherry Tree Hill with a height restriction that is unsuitable for large vehicles.
6. Is Jiggers Bank still accessible for pedestrians and cyclists?
The route is fully closed and all road users should find alternative routes.
Download the maps of alternative cycling routes.
Visit the Sustrans website to see maps of alternative walking routes.
7. What is happening to the bus service?
Bus numbers 96 and 8 that usually travel via Jiggers Bank, will divert via the A4169 and Buildwas Road for the duration of the closure. The nearest bus stop for these services will be the Wharfage Car Park. For further information, please visit the bus provider’s websites:
Visit the Select Bus Services website for further information.
8. Will there be any impact on refuse collections?
Collections will be undertaken as normal.
Last updated : 5 December 2024
Jiggers Bank site preparations complete
Initial site preparations for repairs to the retaining wall on a major access route into the Ironbridge gorge, in Telford and Wrekin are now complete.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s engineering team began on site at the end of September and have cleared the site for a temporary track where specialist machinery can manoeuvre.
Vegetation has been cleared and a large earth embankment removed at the northern end. This will provide a stable platform for machinery to manoeuvre around site and provide full access to the structure which is a combination of random stonework and sandstone bedrock.
Detailed inspections revealed that the northern section had deteriorated more than anticipated with further voids and collapsed areas identified. These are being repaired with further stabilisation work to make the structure safe for construction.
Operatives have been coating the wall with a 50mmm thick layer of concrete sprayed on to the wall. Holes are also being cored in the wall ready for rock anchors to be inserted into the bedrock to stabilise the wall.
Councillor Lee Carter said: “We can finally see what we are really dealing with now the site has been cleared and the wall properly exposed.
“We always knew this would be a complex project with adjustments needed as we progress and unearth more sections of the structure.
“The position of the wall itself has presented challenges too as we’ve had to build a temporary ramp allowing heavy machinery and equipment to even get into the right position.
“It’s a positive start but are mindful that this project will undoubtedly throw some curveballs due to the area’s complex geology and site topography. That said we are still confident at this stage of delivering the project on time and on budget.”
Jigger’s Bank in Coalbrookdale is one of the main routes into Ironbridge Gorge and due to the area’s geology, movement of the wall’s foundations means essential repair is now needed.
A detailed video by the head geotechnical engineer gives us some insight into the area’s history – including how the hill got its name.
Listen to Radio Shropshire’s visit to Jiggers’ Bank and chat with head engineer Matt - Visit the BBC website to listen to the chat with head engineer Matt.
Stabilisation project currently on track for completion date, please see attached photos and update from head engineer Matt - Visit the Newsroom website for update from head engineer Matt.
Last updated : 20 December 2024