Report 10 on
progress leading towards the re-opening of the bridge
Progress
The bridge design work, approval process,
procurement and preparatory work has continued according to programme and is
nearing completion. Due to the long
lead-in period (approximately 20 weeks) the precast concrete beams supporting
the highway were ordered to programme and the temporary diversion of services
programmed with the utility companies.
Construction work is due to commence in January
2009 with the site set up. The closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic has
been programmed for early February. Pedestrians will be able to cross the works
via a temporary pedestrian bridge. These works are the responsibility of
Network Rail and hence a Network Rail representative will be on site to
supervise the works.
The Proposed
Programme for the Works
The proposed works will consist of the following
main elements:
- Setting up of a site
compound adjacent to the football pitch on the south side of the bridge
- Road closure for the
duration of the works and the routing of traffic along signed diversion
routes
- Installation of a temporary
footbridge for the duration of the works
- Diversion of utility services
- Removal of vegetation to
facilitate the works
- Demolition of the existing
bridge deck and the top of the existing bridge abutments
- Reconstruction of the tops
of the existing abutments to take the new bridge beams
- Installation of the new
bridge beams (precast prestressed concrete beams)
- Installation of bridge
parapets (to be painted dark green) and approach barriers
- Installation of the new highway
and footway, and the associated works.
The
diversion routes while the bridge is closed will be the same as the signed diversion
during the earlier closure up to December 2007. Additional signage will be
installed to encourage everyone to follow the official routes.
It
is appreciated that these routes are not entirely convenient but they are the
safest and most suitable having consideration to all factors. Everyone is
strongly advised to follow the routes, for their own safety, the safety of
others and for the minimisation of disruption to others (it is strongly urged
that drivers do not use
Highway
layout
The initial highway layout over the bridge proposed
in progress report 7 (issued April 2008) consisted of a 4.5m carriageway for
single way traffic and traffic signals, a 1.7m footway and a 3.0 m footway (now
without a dedicated cycleway), all within the width of the existing highway.
Following discussions with representatives of
Colwall Parish Council and the subsequent request to consider an alternative
layout with two vehicle lanes over the bridge, Herefordshire Council commissioned
the design of an alternative for two way highway traffic and footways (also
within the width of the existing highway).
Both designs have been subject to a full safety
audit and are being fully appraised for features that adversely affect safety. The safety audits
will help with the appraisal, the determination of the final choice and ensure
that the safety will not be compromised.
In view of the strong
concerns that have been expressed and the permanent nature of the work, the
deliberations on the layout have sought to ensure that the decision eventually
made will be the correct one giving consideration to all the relevant factors related
to safety issues, traffic flows and the environmental aspects of the site.
It is the aspiration of Herefordshire Council
to give the residents of Colwall the bridge they seek overall with the
provision of a bridge within a network that provides an efficient traffic flow
without prejudice to the safety issues particularly of non-motorists.
A decision on the
highway layout is anticipated during January following the completion of the
above appraisal process.
If
the traffic signals fail, if the route is blocked or there is damage to the
route please phone your report to 01432 261800.
Progress reports - If you wish to
receive forthcoming progress reports direct by e-mail please contact the
council through the routes given below.
For further
information please contact Herefordshire Council, Highways, Unit 3 Thorn
Business Park, Rotherwas, Hereford, HR2 6JT, Telephone 01432 261800, email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk,
website www.herefordshire.gov.uk
This sheet can also
be obtained from the Colwall Parish Council website www.colwall.net and
from the Herefordshire Info shop Ledbury, Colwall Public Library and a number
of commercial outlets.