A STRIKING historic railway bridge that forms an integral part of the Camel Trail between Bodmin and Padstow is set for an extensive program of refurbishment to protect its future.

Little Petherick Bridge was built between 1896 and 1897 as part of the work of the London and South Western Railway to connect Padstow to its North Cornwall line. After the railway line closed in January 1967, the bridge was mostly disused before being restored as part of the conversion of the former railway line into the Camel Trail.

However, it is now set for a major program of refurbishment in order to protect the structure from deterioration, with a survey in 2020 indicating that it was suffering from a severe degree of corrosion.

Cormac, on behalf of Cornwall Council detailed the proposals in a submission to the Marine Management Organisation, which it is required to gain a licence from for the works.

It stated: “Little Petherick Viaduct is a Cornwall Council asset located on the Camel Trail which connects Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. The Viaduct, a historic railway structure spanning Little Petherick Creek near Padstow, is a recognisable and important structure of the Camel Trail.

“The Camel Trail is renowned for its scenic views of the river and surrounding countryside. It offers a mostly flat, traffic-free route that attracts walkers, cyclists, and horse riders all year-round.

“With an estimated 400,000 visitors annually, it ranks as the second most popular attraction in Cornwall, contributing approximately £3-million to the local economy.

“In 2020, a Principal inspection of Dennis Creek Bridge was carried out and revealed that the condition of the steelwork in some areas was in poor or very poor condition with the most severe defects (including severe rusting, total loss of section, rivets/bolts severely damaged) recorded on the piers, underside of deck and underside of top chord.

“In 2023, a coating survey classified the condition of the steel work as requiring major maintenance works and recommended for the entire structure to be refurbished.

“Subsequently, an option report was produced and confirmed the full refurbishment of the bridge as being the best option to maintain the continuity of the trail in the short and long term. In order to achieve the best quality of work that will offer the most durable protective coating to the steelwork, the existing paint will be fully removed by abrasive blasting before making local repairs to the steelwork and applying the new coating system.

“During the works, scaffolding will be erected around the bridge deck and pillars, which will be encapsulated with protective sheeting.

“Little Petherick Viaduct Repairs is a standalone project and is programme to be delivered in one continuous phase.”

The program of works would begin in September 2026 if funding is secured and the appropriate licence from the Marine Management Organisation is secured.

It is set to take 80 weeks to complete the work with two phases taking place concurrently, although the number of spans included in phase two between February 2027 and March 2028 is not yet confirmed.