The President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has commended the Rochester Bridge Trust for its commitment to the past, present and future of civil engineering.
On 29th June, Professor Tim Broyd, one of the UK’s leading engineers, was given a tour of the bridges by Chief Executive Sue Threader, joined by Senior Warden Russell Cooper, and Junior Warden Phil Filmer.
Sue Threader commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome Prof Broyd and to highlight the interesting features of our historic Old Bridge, and to talk about the engineering challenges that had been posed by construction of the other crossings alongside it.
“As an ancient charity, the Trust takes a long-term approach, looking forward as many years as it can look back, which is why careful maintenance and the encouragement of engineering education are two important aspects of our day-to-day work.”
Prof Broyd learned about the historic work of the Trust, dating back to medieval times, and its role in maintaining the old and new bridges at Rochester, where there has been a crossing since Roman times. He also met representatives of the Trust’s bridge consultant, Arcadis, and Term Maintenance Contractor, FM Conway, and heard about the success of the partnership which ensures the bridges are maintained to the highest standards.
As an expert in digital innovation for the built environment, Prof Broyd also praised the Trust for its forward outlook to the future of engineering, he said: “The Rochester Bridge Trust shows the very best of engineering heritage and its future. The Trust has worked throughout the centuries for the local community and continues to do so to this day through its educational and outreach work.
“The commitment to engineering education from the Rochester Bridge Trust is outstanding and has done much to show children and students the wonders of civil engineering.”
The Rochester Bridge Trust has served the community of Rochester since 1399. Investing in the maintenance of bridges and river walls, education for the next generation and grants to local charities and community groups.
In the last two years, the Rochester Bridge Trust has made grants for historic building restoration, and for engineering after school clubs and activities on the River Medway for young people. It also provides Bridge Wardens’ scholarships for a number of young people who are planning to study civil engineering at university and, in partnership with the Rotary Club, has launched the national Junior Technology Tournament project to engage primary school children in learning about bridges.