Media centre

Tuesday 13 Nov 2007

SMITHDOWN ROAD BRIDGE WORK FINISHED

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Network Rail and its contractors Amco have completed a bridge refurbishment project ahead of schedule, which has allowed lane restrictions on a busy dual carriageway to be lifted three weeks early. Tony Wilcock, Network Rail's Territory Civil Engineer said: "Good planning and the weather being on our side meant we were able to crack on with the job and get it done much sooner than we had allowed for. It's good news for us and good news for the motorists commuting in and out of the city centre." Cllr Colin Eldridge, Liverpool City Council Executive Member, added: "This is one of the main gateway routes into the city so we were happy to support this work which has brought about much needed improvements to the bridge and, as part of our Look of the City programme, provides a much better image of the city to visitors. I am very pleased that this work has been completed ahead of schedule so disruption to motorists has been minimised." The bridge carries the main west coast railway line over the A562 Smithdown Road in Wavertree, which is one of the main roads in and out of the city centre. As such, it will be seen by the thousands of visitors flocking to Liverpool for the many attractions and events of the Capital of Culture celebrations. Although the bridge was structurally sound, it was painted a battleship grey and pockmarked with rust patches. The city council approached Network Rail to see what could be done to improve what for many people is the first impression they have of the city. In a jointly funded project costing £70,000, the bridge has been grit blasted to remove the rust and old paintwork, primed to preserve its life and painted a sage green colour. The safety handrail on top of the bridge is now painted buttermilk. At the same time, pavements beneath the bridge have been jet-washed to remove pigeon droppings and the undersides of the bridge where the birds roost have been pigeon-proofed.