The latest work on the River Rother by Monk Bretton Bridge in Rye could cost £3.2 million according to a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) seen by Rye News. Work began earlier this year as an extension to the multi-million pound Rother Tidal Walls East contract which has seen new flood defences constructed.
In the FOI the Environment Agency says the extra cost is for scour protection, where erosion affects a small section of the riverbank south of the bridge. The problem has been long identified but was made worse after part of the bank collapsed in 2023.
The final cost of the new work has yet to be confirmed.
A 60 metre 400 tonne crane has been in place since earlier this year, dominating the Rye skyline. Fifty metres of steel sheet piles have been driven into the ground to allow large rocks to be placed behind to help strengthen the riverbank.
Nearby, the footpaths next to the river north of the bridge remain closed. There had been hopes they would reopen in October this year, but a review has yet to take place to confirm public access.
In the FOI the Environment Agency says, “The footpath closure was extended until October 2026 to allow for maintenance and the continued establishment of vegetation. It was always anticipated that the footpaths would need to be closed for a two-year period while this takes place. However, we have carried out annual reviews to assess progress, with the aim of reopening the footpaths as soon as it is practically possible. Unfortunately, the site is not yet ready, but we plan to undertake another review and open the footpaths at the earliest feasible opportunity.”
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rye News .