Galafoot Bridge Repairs Reveal Extensive Hidden Concrete Damage

Major refurbishment works at Galafoot Bridge on the A6091 in the Scottish Borders are expected to continue until late January 2027 after the condition of the concrete deck was found to be considerably worse than anticipated.

BEAR Scotland, which manages the project on behalf of Transport Scotland, has confirmed that more than three times as much concrete requires repair as originally estimated.

The discovery highlights a common challenge in concrete repair and infrastructure maintenance: the full extent of deterioration is not always visible until existing surfaces and protective systems have been removed.

What Happened at Galafoot Bridge?

The refurbishment of Galafoot Bridge began in October 2026, with works including concrete repairs, renewal of deck waterproofing, resurfacing of the carriageway and footpaths, and improvements to the bridge parapets.

VolkerLaser was appointed to carry out the resurfacing and waterproofing works, while Geo-Structural was appointed to undertake maintenance on the underside of the bridge.

Following the removal of the surfacing and waterproofing from the eastbound carriageway, the underlying concrete deck was found to require significantly more repair work than originally expected.

BEAR Scotland has explained that the additional repairs, uncertainty over the condition of the remaining carriageway and the potential impact of winter weather have extended the anticipated programme.

The bridge remains open to westbound traffic during the works, with eastbound traffic diverted.

Why Concrete Deterioration Can Remain Hidden Beneath Bridge Decks

Bridge decks are exposed to continuous traffic loading, rainfall, temperature changes and, in many cases, de-icing salts. The waterproofing system beneath the road surface plays an important role in protecting the reinforced concrete from moisture and contaminants.

However, deterioration within the concrete may develop beneath layers of surfacing and waterproofing without being immediately visible during routine inspections.

Where water and chlorides penetrate reinforced concrete, they can contribute to reinforcement corrosion. As corrosion develops, the expansion of corrosion products can cause cracking, delamination and eventually spalling of the surrounding concrete.

These defects can extend beyond the areas initially identified through surface observations.

At Galafoot Bridge, the project team has confirmed that the previous waterproofing system had failed, contributing to premature deterioration of the road surface. The full extent of the concrete repairs only became apparent after the existing layers were removed.

The Importance of Bridge Deck Waterproofing

Waterproofing is an essential part of protecting concrete bridge decks and extending their service life. An effective system helps prevent water and harmful contaminants from penetrating the underlying concrete.

When waterproofing fails, repeated repairs to the road surface may address visible defects without resolving the underlying problem.

A durable refurbishment programme must therefore consider the condition of the concrete substrate, the performance of the waterproofing system and the suitability of the replacement surfacing.

Concrete repairs should be completed to the required specification before the new waterproofing system is installed. Appropriate surface preparation, detailing and compatibility between materials are essential to achieving a reliable finished system.

The same principles apply to other exposed concrete structures, including car park decks, podium slabs and balconies, where failed waterproofing can contribute to long-term deterioration.

Why Concrete Repair Programmes Need Flexibility

The Galafoot Bridge refurbishment demonstrates why repair quantities and programmes can change once work begins.

Although surveys and investigations help establish the anticipated scope, concealed areas of concrete may be difficult to assess fully while a structure remains operational.

For infrastructure owners, engineers and contractors, allowing for unexpected deterioration is an important part of planning remedial works. Additional concrete breakout, reinforcement treatment, substrate preparation and curing requirements can all affect the overall programme.

Early communication between the project team and specialist contractors helps ensure that additional defects are assessed properly and that any changes to the repair specification are based on the actual condition of the structure.

Completing the necessary repairs thoroughly is particularly important where future maintenance would require further road closures or disruption to public infrastructure.

Specialist Concrete Repair and Structural Waterproofing

The findings at Galafoot Bridge reinforce the importance of effective investigation, suitable repair specifications and long-term protection of concrete structures.

MPS Concrete Solutions provides specialist concrete repair, structural waterproofing, resin injection and movement joint sealing services across commercial, residential and infrastructure projects throughout the UK.

With 25+ years of combined experience, our team works alongside structural engineers, surveyors and principal contractors to deliver specified remedial works, helping address deterioration and protect existing concrete structures.

If you require a specialist contractor for concrete repairs or structural waterproofing, contact MPS Concrete Solutions to discuss your project.