Our contractor will remove the road surface on the bridge in small sections at a time. They will then work in the bridge structure and replace the road surface, before moving to another section.
This construction method has been chosen because it enables one lane in each direction to be kept open for drivers and cyclists. Two 1.8 metre wide footpaths will also be kept open. (However, there will be three phases when only one lane for all traffic is available in off-peak periods and one footpath is closed. Please see link on left for more information.)
Whilst the road works will cause delays to traffic and be inconvenient for cyclists using the bridge (due to narrow lane widths), the alternative of closing the bridge would be far more disruptive.
If the entire construction work was completed in one-go, the bridge would have to be closed to all traffic including cyclists and pedestrians for four months. This is not a viable option because completely closing the bridge for this length of time would cause significant problems for the transport network.
You can find more details about these road works, temporary junction changes and the new, temporary bus lanes on the left hand navigation.
You can also download an information leaflet at the right or telephone 0845 045 5213 for a hardcopy.