The A36 at Limpley Stoke near Bath is set to reopen earlier than scheduled following essential safety repairs, National Highways has announced.
The A36 at Limpley Stoke, where work is ongoing | Photo © National Highways
Work has been ongoing since last August to stabilise the southbound embankment after cracking was discovered in the footpath alongside the carriageway.
Initially set to reopen in April, the road will now reopen under two-way traffic lights from Saturday 1st March.
The single-lane reopening will allow National Highways to continue working at the site while allowing traffic to have access along the road.
208 concrete pillars will help to stabilise the carriageway | Photo © National Highways
Since the A36 has been closed to traffic, National Highways has:
- Installed 208 concrete piles, which despite challenging ground conditions, has been completed ahead of schedule
- Installed rock mesh installation in the uphill embankment
- Installed new drainage in the road which will provide future resilience
During the closure, other work has been carried out to reduce future impact on drivers, including:
- Repair work to the masonry on the viaduct
- Drainage repairs on the A36 north of Brassknocker Hill
- Survey work on the viaduct
- Vegetation clearance
Hugh Campbell, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: “The stabilisation of the A36 has been a huge success and we’re delighted to be able to reopen the road ahead of schedule under two-way traffic lights.
“The pace of work is a testament to the hard work of the team and all the contractors working on the stabilisation.
“I would like to thank everyone involved, including road users, residents and businesses for their patience whilst we carried out this safety critical work to ensure the long-term viability of the road.”
While the road is reopening the road to traffic sooner than previously planned, doing so under traffic management will restrict the work site and extend the work programme into May.
Work still to be completed includes:
- Installing the concrete capping beam that sits on top of the piles and will provide the foundation for a new vehicle barrier
- Installing a new vehicle barrier and fencing
- Reinstating the pavement
National Highways has been working with both Bath & North East Somerset Council and Wiltshire County Council to keep disruption as minimal as possible.
