Bridge maintenance work starts on A47 near King’s Lynn
A vital scheme to repair and maintain three bridges on the A47 in Norfolk keeping journeys safe and reliable for road users will begin next month.
The work will take place on the A47 River Great Ouse, River Nar and Harbour Junction bridges between the A47/A17 Pullover Roundabout and the A47/A10/A149 Hardwick Roundabout. It will involve replacing the waterproofing on the bridges, replacing the bridge joints- which are important components that allow structures to expand and contract with changes in temperature - and resurfacing the bridge decks.
Advance work on the eight-week scheme will start on 9 June; this will not affect road users. Main work will start on 21 June and will be carried out, between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week. For safety reasons a contraflow over 2 miles with 30mph speed restriction, enforced by speed cameras, will be in place throughout the work. There will be overnight closures of the road between 14 and 20 June, in both directions, to install the temporary road layout.
Highways Agency project manager Ranjit Mistry said:
This work will prolong the life of the bridges, maintaining safe and reliable journeys on this important route. Expansion joints do need replacing from time to time, and the current waterproofing is coming to the end of its life; replacing it now and carrying out any necessary concrete repairs to the bridge reduces the need for future maintenance and the associated disruption to road users.
During the work we advise people to allow extra time for their journeys and be patient as they drive through the road works.
In order to install the contraflow system the A47 will be closed in both directions between Pullover Roundabout and Hardwick Roundabout overnight between 8pm and 6am from 14 to 20 June. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place.
During the closures, westbound traffic will be diverted from King’s Lynn to the A10 to Downham Market, A1122 and then A1101 to Wisbech; eastbound local traffic will be diverted in the opposite direction. Wide loads will also be required to use the temporary diversion.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer