Camel Viaduct, Wadebridge - Essential Maintenance commencing January 2026
After more than thirty years of constant use and exposure to the elements, an essential maintenance project is now planned for Camel Viaduct. The project involves replacing the bridge’s waterproof protection to ensure its long-term structural integrity and safety. This will help prevent water ingress, which can cause damage to the bridge deck and supporting structures.
 | Due to the presence of transatlantic communication cables within the bridge footway, the original method of construction and delivery has been revised. Extensive investigations and trial pits revealed ducting surrounded by concrete. It has been confirmed that the risk of damaging the ducting (which houses the fibre-optic cables) is too great to proceed with the original construction method. These cables are classified as critical infrastructure, and any damage could have significant consequences and disruption. |
The waterproofing will now be carried out in three phases over the next few years, carefully scheduled to avoid busy highway embargo periods. This phased approach will allow us to carry out the works safely and effectively, while minimising disruption to the highway network. Also now included, will be work to enhance the ducting that sits within the footpath, ensuring future access and maintenance can be achieved safely and without risk to the underlying fibre-optic cables.
The existing road surface, pavements, kerbs, and drainage will be removed to expose the concrete bridge deck beneath. The old waterproofing layer will be stripped away and the deck inspected, cleaned, and repaired where needed. A primer will be applied, followed by a new waterproof membrane, then the road surface, pavements, kerbs and drainage will be re-installed.
Traffic Management
Whilst every effort will be made to minimise disruption during the essential maintenance phases, delays are possible, so please do allow extra time for your journeys when you can.
Phase One will be on the south (Wadebridge) side of the viaduct, commencing January 2026 for seventeen weeks.
- Two-way traffic lights will be in place and temporary bull barriers will be installed to protect the workforce and demark the construction section.
- The traffic lights will use auto-green technology to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion, and a temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place from Tollgate roundabout to Ball roundabout for the duration.
- It is hoped that we will be able to remove the traffic lights after ten weeks, when we will use narrowed lanes to complete the remainder of the phase.
Phase Two will take place on the north (Padstow) side of the viaduct, excluding the footpath that contains the fibre-optic cables, and is scheduled to begin in early September 2026 for twenty weeks (excluding the 2026 Christmas period).
- Again, two way, auto-green traffic lights will be in place, reducing to narrowed lanes, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Phase Three will involve relocating the fibre-optic cables from the northern to the southern footpath, to enable final waterproofing works. Its start date is subject to consultation and agreement with the statutory undertakers that own the cables.
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History
Camel Viaduct, sometimes known as Wadebridge Bypass Viaduct, was built in the early 1990s to redirect through-traffic away from Wadebridge town centre, alleviating congestion on the medieval Old Bridge.
The viaduct spans the tidal River Camel with nine reinforced concrete box spans, stretching approximately 450 metres. It was designed to withstand decades of use and has been a critical piece of Cornwall's road infrastructure for over three decades, supporting local connectivity and tourism.
