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Vulnerable ageing structure protected with a modern concrete VRS solution
The A465 Llangua scheme showcases the successful integration of modern safety solutions within a historic structure. Completed in December 2025, the project upgraded the Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) on Llangua Bridge, dating back to 1827, using REBLOC RB80A_8 (H2W1) precast concrete barrier.
The high-containment system was installed with minimal intrusion, protecting the vulnerable ageing bridge whilst improving durability, safety performance and long-term maintenance.
Delivered in collaboration with Core Highways, the solution ensured continued safe use of this key cross-border route alongside whilst respecting its historic character.
Llangua Bridge is a historic structure carrying the A465 across the River Monnow on the border between Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. Dating back to around 1827, the bridge remains an important regional crossing, forming part of a key route between England and Wales.
The A465 Llangua scheme, completed in December 2025, focused on upgrading the Vehicle Restraint System (VRS) to align with modern safety requirements, whilst remaining sensitive to the historic structure. A higher containment solution was needed, without the dependence on extensive civils works that could impact the edge beam of Llangua Bridge.
Working alongside Core Highways, we installed REBLOC RB80A_8 (H2W1); a precast concrete VRS solution designed to anchor into minimal material at a shallow depth. This approach provided an effective upgrade, while remaining cautious of the ageing structure.
The REBLOC RB80A_8 (H2W1) proved ideal for application on the bridge, enhancing the normal containment steel VRS to a high containment precast concrete VRS providing increased durability and reduced maintenance. Key advantages included:
The containment performance of the asymmetric barrier is achieved through the combined action of the tension bar and series of five anchor points per unit. Together with the integrated coupling system, these components form a continuous barrier capable of absorbing and dissipating vehicle impact energy effectively.
The VRS barrier layout was created through early design collaboration. The precast barrier elements were manufactured off-site in a factory production-controlled environment, providing a kit of barrier components that were delivered and installed with minimal customer disruption or risk of project delays.
By implementing a modern concrete VRS, the A465 Llangua scheme has protected the vulnerable ageing structure of the long-standing bridge, ensuring continued safe use for vehicles, whilst respecting its history.
”This was a great solution to get over the line, working with Hill & Smith Infrastructure we were able to propose an incredibly non-invasive and respectful solution that could be delivered under a reduced number of night-time closures quickly and effectively.” – Dan Raffles, Core Highways
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