Bridge at St Martin’s Point undergoes repairs
THE walkway to St Martin’s Point lighthouse will finally reopen at the end of this month, after repair work is completed.
The bridge at the bottom of Jerbourg crosses a rocky ravine to reach the building.
However, the top surface of the bridge and the stainless steel handrails along it were badly damaged during storms in 2013 and 2014.
Guernsey Ports project manager Joe Armstrong said the damage meant the bridge was not safe, so it had to be closed to the public.
If left, the lighthouse and foghorn would have to be regularly maintained by using the Sarnia Workboat and dory.
But last month work began on repairing the bridge.
‘Our technical services team is currently working with contractors Geomarine on the installation of a new reinforced concrete deck surface on the bridge and the installation of new stainless steel handrails,’ Mr Armstrong said.
‘This will enable public access to be reinstated and simplify access to the lighthouse for our technical services team when undertaking maintenance and repairs.’
Access to the site is not easy, with steep steps from the point or a windy path along the east coast the only landward options to reach the point.
‘The main challenges have been the logistics of transporting materials and equipment to and from the site, which we have done using the Sarnia Workboat and dory,’ said Mr Armstrong.
‘This is another example where the reinstatement of the bridge will simplify and improve access for our technical services team for maintenance and repairs.’
The point, along with the rest of the south and east coast cliffs, is classed as an area of site of special significance.
Mr Armstrong said extra care had been taken in planning and undertaking the works to minimise the impact on the natural environment.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, it is hoped the work will be completed by the end of October.
Weathering the storms of 10 years ago, pages 16 & 17
