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STRESS was proud to participate in the Bridges 2026 Conference & Exhibition, held in March at Coventry’s CBS Arena, one of the UK’s foremost events dedicated to bridge engineering, asset management and structural infrastructure. The two-day event brought together over 170 delegates and 66 exhibitors , including bridge engineers, consultants, contractors and asset owners from across the public and private sectors.
The Stress team from Goldhawk Bridge Division took the opportunity to engage with the wider industry on the challenges that matter most to our clients. These vital conversations and insights help us to develop our innovative services for the maintenance and strengthening of bridge structures across the UK for the benefit of our communities.
A key theme throughout the conference was asset management, reflecting the growing complexity of maintaining an ageing bridge stock under increasing operational and financial pressure. This is a challenge STRESS encounters on a daily basis. Whether working on historic masonry arch bridges or modern highway structures, the demand for cost-effective, technically robust strengthening solutions has never been greater.
Hazel McDonald, Chief Bridge Engineer at Transport Scotland, highlighted that many authorities still lack critical records particularly around foundations. Climate change is increasing scour risk, resulting in more structures being classified as high risk and requiring ongoing assessment. This reality reinforces why specialist bridge strengthening contractors with deep technical knowledge and proven methodologies are an essential part of the asset management supply chain.
Rebecca and Stuart from Stress’ Goldhawk Bridge Division on the stand at Bridges 2026
Steve Denton, Executive Director and head of civil engineering at WSP, addressed the difficult decisions engineers face. Whether to leave a bridge open, close it, or impose weight restrictions, there is a balance between data, risk and the professional judgement required to make those calls responsibly.
At STRESS, we understand that structural intervention decisions carry significant consequences for public safety and the management of traffic. In addition, every project has budget constraints. Our approach to bridge strengthening is grounded in rigorous structural assessment and typical projects include structural rehabilitation or masonry arch strengthening schemes.
This year’s conference theme, ‘Introducing Change‘ highlighting emerging technologies.
The willingness of the sector to adopt emerging diagnostic and intervention techniques aligns closely with STRESS’ own commitment to innovation. Our bridge strengthening methods continue to evolve, drawing on advances in materials, monitoring technology and structural analysis to deliver solutions that are both technically superior and commercially viable. From carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening systems to specialist concrete repair.
The conference also reinforced the particular challenges associated with the UK’s historic bridge infrastructure. Preserving the structural integrity of older bridges, including listed structures and those within sensitive environments, demands a level of technical specialisation and collaborative working that goes beyond standard construction practice.
STRESS has extensive experience delivering bridge strengthening schemes on heritage and historic structures, balancing modern performance requirements with the need to respect original materials and architectural character. This dual responsibility, to both structural safety and heritage preservation, is one we take seriously on every project.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the event organizers, particularly Binda Punj, for orchestrating a well-coordinated and successful event. We also appreciate the contributions of all speakers and attendees, which elevated the quality of discussions throughout the conference.
STRESS is a UK-based specialist structural engineering contractor with expertise in bridge strengthening, structural repair and rehabilitation of masonry arches. We work with local authorities, highways agencies, Network Rail supply chains and private asset owners to deliver technically challenging bridge projects on time and within budget.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how our capabilities can support your bridge strengthening programme.