Project update 13 August

As the bridge has been closed this week to emergency vehicles, we have been able to start more significant repairs to the most severely deteriorated and critical sections of the concrete supporting structure. We liaised with the emergency services before and during the closure and they are confident that they are managing to get to incidents in a timely fashion during this phase. The bridge is an important asset both historically and as a vital piece in the road network and must be legally maintained to a safe level. The defective concrete is more extensive than previously identified, as was always possible when more of it was revealed, and is being removed and replaced to the necessary specification. This aligns with the Listed Building Consent and DfT funding that was granted on the basis of the works being carried out.

These structural repairs will continue next week, meaning that the current restrictions will need to stay in place until 23 August, and we thank pedestrians and cyclists for following the guidance on access across the bridge during this time.

Installation of the restored heritage kerbs on the east side of the bridge has also continued, and next week we will be progressing onto preparation of the kerb line on the west side of the bridge.

Our project team and contractor are working hard and reviewing our options in order to maintain our original 3-month closure programme and, as always, we are grateful for people’s patience with the disruption caused.