Diversionary route details announced for the upcoming painting works that will begin at the end of February.
With work to paint the A17 Cross Keys Swing Bridge getting underway at the end of the month, details of the advised diversionary route for road users have been announced.
Traffic management will be in place on the bridge itself as the programme of works begins, but for those who want to avoid the bridge entirely a route around the area has been devised.
Signs will be in place across the area directing traffic along a triangle of major roads including the A17, A47 and A1101. A mapped route of the diversion is attached to this release.
The essential maintenance for the bridge will take place from February 28 and continue until July 1 inclusive. During that time traffic across the bridge will be managed to keep site crews and road users safe.
Every effort is being made to minimise the disruption for road users whilst the work happens. Some elements of the programme of works will mean that the bridge has to be closed – when the ends of the bridge are painted, for example – during this time the diversionary route will be the only way to cross the river in the area.
During public holidays when there is more traffic on local roads the restrictions will be removed completely to further minimise disruption to traffic.
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways said: “We are working very hard to get the vital works done as quickly as possible in a way that causes the least amount of delay for road users at the bridge.
“It’s been nearly 20 years since the bridge was last painted and our work is essential to not only maintain the structure as it currently is, but to also ensure a long useful life for the future.
“The bridge has to remain operational throughout the programme of works which means that we will have in place temporary traffic lights on site to help with the management of traffic flow. These will be manually operated to help clear backlogs as they develop.
“But for those who want to avoid the bridge completely, the diversionary route will be clearly signposted to make things as straightforward as possible.
“We want to thank everyone for their continuing patience in this matter while the vital works are happening.”