Friday 19 Apr 2013
Longton Viaduct set for face lift
- Region & Route:
Longton viaduct on King Street in Stoke-on-Trent will be restored to its former glory as Network Rail completes a full re-paint of the structure this summer.
The £1.6m investment follows close liaison with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to agree access and minimise disruption caused by the works.
Justin Page, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “These works are essential to safely maintain the viaduct and make sure it is fit for purpose for many years to come. Once we have completed this work the structure should not need further maintenance for 25 years.”
The work will be phased in order to minimise disruption as some road diversions will be required in order to accommodate the scaffold needed to complete the work.
Mr Page added: “We are working closely with the highways team at the local council to finalise how the traffic plan needs to be managed. This will be publicised as soon as it is available.”
Work on the viaduct is scheduled to start on Thursday 27 June 2013 and is expected to take until the end of the year to complete. Traffic management on King Street will be managed in two phases. The first phase starts on 27 June and will be in place for around 13 weeks from the start of works. Dates for the second phase will be confirmed nearer the time. Everything possible will be done to minimise road disruption.
Councillor Ruth Rosenau, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This is something residents have asked for in the past and we’re delighted that Network Rail has announced they are going to carry out the work.
“The bridge is a gateway to Longton and once the work is complete, it will really help to enhance the look and feel of the town centre.
“Some road diversions will be needed while the work takes place and we are working closely with Network Rail to minimise any disruption, however, I’m sure the vast majority of people will appreciate the work being carried out.”
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