Churchill Bridge in Bath is set to be closed from April 16 to May 4 to allow for planned maintenance and improvement works to be carried out by the Council.
The bridge – the main access from the Wells Road into the city centre – and the pavement will close, but east-west traffic on the roundabout will be unaffected.
Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of the Council, said: “These works are part of the on-going multi million pound programme to maintain, improve and protect the Council’s Highway Network. We apologise for any inconvenience the closure will cause but these works will protect the bridge for many years to come. Bath & North East Somerset Council has asked its contractors to work around the clock to complete the project within 21 days. This particular time has been chosen to carry out the works as it avoids impacting on the main tourist season and major events being held in the city.”
The major maintenance will be to the bridge’s movement joints and deck waterproofing system. To keep the closure period to a minimum the Council’s contractors will be, as far as practicable, working 24 hours per day, but appropriate noise restrictions will apply when night working.
Advanced driver information and clear diversionary signage will be in place for this project. Northbound traffic will be diverted along the Lower Bristol Road via Pines Way, Midland Bridge Road and Green Park Road. Vehicles travelling south will follow a similar route in the opposite direction. Pedestrians and cyclists will be directed to the Southgate Footbridge which is approximately 30 metres to the east of Churchill Bridge. Discussions have been held with the various bus companies affected and appropriate temporary alterations to services are to be introduced during the closure period. Drop-off and pick-up points for the Park and Ride service will be unaffected. Traffic Marshalls will be in attendance at all times to ensure traffic complies with the temporary closure and diversionary routes.
The work will involve removing and replacing the existing waterproofing, resurfacing the bridge deck and dismantling and removing the movement joints.