This in from Gavin on behalf of Island Roads, Ed
Island Roads is to open Wootton Bridge to two-way traffic over Christmas to help minimise disruption for residents over the busy holiday period.
The traffic lights, which currently restrict traffic to one lane during the works, will be temporarily removed on the evening of Tuesday 22nd December to allow traffic to return to the usual two-way system and will then be reintroduced on the evening of Sunday 3rd January to allow works to resume. The 18-tonne weight and 20pmh speed restrictions will, however, remain in place during this period and until the works have been completed.
The 14-week scheme at Wootton Bridge which involves work to strengthen the underside of the bridge and replace the bridge parapet is progressing well and remains on track for completion in mid February next year.
The brickwork for the parapet on the southern side of the bridge has been completed ahead of schedule and seven-metre anchors have been installed through the western arch barrel of the bridge to further strengthen the bridge.
In the next two weeks, work to waterproof the structure will also be undertaken, together with further internal strengthening of the bridge arches.
Joanne Huett, Project Engineer for Island Roads said:
“We are extremely grateful for the patience that residents have demonstrated during these works on one of the busiest Island routes and the visible improvements and progress being made is in no small part due to their co-operation. We hope this brief removal of restrictions over the Christmas period will be helpful to all who use this route and we will continue in January with our work to restore the bridge to the required strength and capacity.”
During the Christmas period, the site offices will remain in place at Mill Square and the slipway and therefore these will remain closed to the public.
