Media centre

Tuesday 26 Jun 2007

ROAD BRIDGE BROUGHT UP TO STRENGTH

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Network Rail is investing nearly £500,000 in a bridge on Kerslake Way, Hightown to bring it up to strength to meet the latest safety standards. Preparations start this week (28 June) with the actual work due to start on 2 July. The bridge, which carries Kerslake Way over the Hunts Cross to Southport railway line, 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 ensure they are suitable to carry heavy lorries now permitted on Britain's roads under EU legislation. The existing bridge is made up of three spans and is approximately 75 metres long. The work will be undertaken in two halves using temporary traffic lights. It will involve removing the existing surfacing, drilling and fixing steel dowels into the bridge deck, casting a new reinforced concrete slab, waterproofing and re-surfacing on one side of the road. When one side has been done, work will switch to the other. The bridge piers will be strengthened at the same time. While the work is being carried out the road will remain open to traffic but with lane restrictions in force when required. Network Rail's Territory Civil Engineer Tony Wilcock, said: "This is part of a massive programme which is being conducted nationally over the next few years. We couldn’t do it without the considerable help and cooperation of the local authorities involved. When the work is finished, this bridge will be fit for purpose for many years to come." Train services are not expected to be affected by the work, which is due to be completed in September.