Essex travel: Huge works programme in Witham to close bridges and road for almost 2 months

Two bridges and a piece of highway in Witham shall be closed for nearly two months for repairs in a significant works as a result of start in August. The Chipping Hill pedestrian bridge and the adjoining brick highway bridge each require important repairs, and so shall be shut from August 15 to October 7.

A small part of highway in Chipping Hill/Powers Corridor Finish may also be closed for repairs throughout the identical interval, in response to native councillor Ross Playle. In an announcement revealed on social media, the councillor introduced the programme and defined the significance of the restoration work.

Cllr Playle stated: “As many individuals identified following the current Jubilee occasion, the pedestrian bridge tends to wobble back and forth and there are additionally important works required to the adjoining brick highway bridge, in addition to the aspect railings, following site visitors incidents over time.

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“Consequently, the 2 bridges and the small part of highway in Chipping Hill/Powers Corridor Finish shall be shut from August 15 to October 7. To be clear, this implies this river crossing shall be impassable and a diversion shall be in place to handle the dispersed site visitors by the city centre.

“I realise that this closure is a big time period and I did at first assume this timeframe was a mistake or only a cautious placeholder. Nevertheless, querying this with Essex Highways they’ve confirmed to me that it’s appropriate and the dimensions of labor required to maintain each of those bridges in working order.

“It is usually price highlighting that plans for upkeep work to the bridge have been a very long time within the making with planning permission required and a sourcing of like-for-like supplies contemplating the age and heritage worth of the brick bridge.”

Extra info shall be accessible in coming weeks on the highway closures and what diversions shall be put in place.