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Monday 18 Dec 2006

£1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT WORK DUE TO START

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Residents and business owners are being reminded that re-strengthening work begins on a Wirral bridge at the end of this month. Over £1.5 million will be invested in carrying out reconstruction work on Bedford Road bridge, which carries the Wirral line near Rock Ferry station, to ensure it meets European standards. The bridge has been assessed by Network Rail as part of the Bridgeguard 3 programme, which is looking at nearly 1,000 bridges in the North West to make sure they are able to carry the large commercial road vehicles now permitted on Britain’s roads under recent EU legislation. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: “This work is being carried out as part of a wider programme of schemes which is being conducted nationally. When the work is complete, it will ensure these strategic routes can remain open for many years to come and will not be affected by weight restrictions. These schemes could not be completed without the considerable help and cooperation of the local authorities involved.” Work will begin on site from late December with the main construction work beginning in early January. All work is being funded by Network Rail and Wirral Council and will be completed by the end of May 2007. The main construction work on this two span structure is being carried out between the end of December and May 2007. The work is being funded by Network Rail and Wirral Council. The work will involve extensive brickwork repairs to the arch and side walls, including tying in dislodged bricks, replacing crumbling bricks (which have been affected by rain and frost), grouting and pointing. Utility services such as water mains and gas pipes will then be temporarily diverted out of the way. Once this has been done, the bridge deck will be demolished and the structure will be prepared to accept the new precast concrete beams, which will be lifted into place using a crane. Finally the new concrete bridge deck will be laid before the road surface is renewed. Once the work is complete the bridges will be able to carry up to 40 tonne vehicles. While the work is being undertaken the bridges will be open to single lane traffic, which will be controlled by traffic lights. It will also be necessary to close Bedford Road for approximately eight weeks between mid February and mid April, while some of the more complex construction work is carried out. A diversionary route will be in place, which is currently being agreed with Wirral Council but is likely to be via Old Chester Road, Rock Lane West and New Chester Road. Where possible, pedestrian and access for cyclists will be maintained via a temporary footbridge. The work will also require some weekend railway line closures and passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 or www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling for details of rail replacement services.