How do we futureproof historic infrastructure while meeting modern sustainability targets? A brilliant example can be found in north-east Scotland with the restoration of the Bervie Jubilee Bridge. Built in 1935, this iconic landmark carries the A92 from Aberdeen to Dundee. Faced with severe environmental degradation, Aberdeenshire Council opted for an innovative repair strategy that was well ahead of its time.
The bridge was suffering from severe chloride-accelerated corrosion on its reinforced concrete support beams and half-joint elements. This was caused by the harsh, circulating marine environment and water leakage, which led to:
Pitting of the structural steel reinforcement.
Cracking and spalling of the concrete cover.
A high risk of reduced load capacity, which could have forced a full bridge closure—severely impacting local trade and the economy.
To complicate matters, the bridge had to remain open to traffic during repairs. Access was a major hurdle, requiring the workforce to operate from a complex, full-height scaffolding platform built over the water.
Rather than opting for disruptive, traditional reconstruction, the council implemented an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system alongside standard concrete repairs (compliant with BS EN 1504 and BS EN ISO 12696).
Because surface-mounted systems would ruin the bridge’s historic aesthetic, engineers used an innovative, internal approach:
Drilled-In Ceramic Anodes: Over 8,500 compact, star-shaped conductive ceramic anodes were inserted into the structure at variable depths to target complex 3D steel configurations.
Zonal Control: The installation was split into 20 distinct zones to separate the management of the beams and half-joints, all networked to a single communication point to minimise cabling.
Remote Performance Management: The system uses internet connectivity to track data from 80 monitoring locations weekly and monthly, assessing potential decay and corrosion rates.
Thirteen years after the installation was completed, data shows the ICCP system has successfully controlled and mitigated corrosion, keeping rates at negligible levels. The project stands as a textbook example of modern Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy in action:
Preserving Embodied Carbon: By repairing and protecting the existing asset rather than rebuilding it, the project achieved massive savings in embodied carbon and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Historic Preservation: Approved by Historic Scotland, the intrusive works left the bridge’s historic visual appearance completely unharmed.
Predictive Maintenance: Continuous remote data allows for proactive maintenance decisions, extending the service life of this vital asset indefinitely.
By embracing forward-thinking technology, Aberdeenshire Council successfully secured the future of a vital transport link while meeting the low-carbon, sustainable objectives outlined in today’s Construction Playbook.
