Media centre

Thursday 27 Jul 2006

A38 BRIDGE TO BE REBUILT

Region & Route:

The bridge carrying the A38 trunk road over the railway at Lichfield is to be rebuilt as part of the Trent Valley Four Tracking Project (TV4), which is part of the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire.

The bridge carrying the A38 trunk road over the railway at Lichfield is to be rebuilt as part of the Trent Valley Four Tracking Project (TV4), which is part of the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire. Senior Programme Manager for Network Rail’s TV4 project, Keith Riley, said: “This is the last bridge in the Trent Valley Four Tracking Project (TV4) that we need to rebuild, and it poses some major logistical construction challenges. We are working hard to make sure disruption to motorists is kept to a minimum, but they may experience some delay, and we recommend they plan their journeys well in advance.” During the work, speed restriction of 40 miles an hour will be in place for the safety of motorists and the workforce. There will be some short-term road closures at off peak hours which will be publicised well in advance with signed diversions. The project will take place in three main phases: Phase 1, August 2006 to March 2007 All south-bound traffic will be diverted onto the northbound carriageway, maintaining two narrow lanes of traffic in each direction, whilst the east side of the bridge is demolished and rebuilt. Single lane closures will be adopted during off peak hours only to ensure the safety of the public and the workforce. Phase 2, March 2007 to June 07 All north-bound traffic will be diverted onto the newly constructed southbound carriageway, maintaining two narrow lanes of traffic in each direction, whilst the west side of the bridge is demolished and rebuilt. Single lane closures will be adopted during off peak hours to ensure safety of the public and the workforce. Phase 3, June 2007 to August 2007 On completion of the north and south-bound carriageways traffic management will continue to allow the completion of the central reservation. Four narrow lanes will be available, with off peak single lane closures and narrow lanes to ensure safety of the public and the workforce. Network Rail is working closely with the Highways Agency to ensure that this important work proceeds with minimum delays to those who use the A38 and that measures are in place to ensure safety to all road users and the workforce Highways Agency route sponsor Trevor Still said: “We have been working closely with Network Rail to bring this project forward with as little disruption as possible. We urge motorists to drive safely through the work and to observe all signs and speed limits for their own safety and for the safety of the workforce on site.”