Bridge repairs keep journeys safe and reliable on the A21 Medway Viaduct
A six month scheme to maintain safe and reliable journeys is almost complete on the A21 Medway Viaduct between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge in Kent.
Repairs to the concrete underneath the structure have been carried out since February with no impact to road users. Bridge bearings, which allow the structure to expand and contract with seasonal temperature variations, will be replaced using overnight carriageway closures. The work is due to be completed, weather permitting, at the beginning of July.
Bala Vishnubala, Highways Agency Structures Manager said:
The repairs will prolong the life of the structure to ensure that journeys remain safe and reliable for the 23,000 vehicles that use this route each day. We carried out maintenance in autumn 2012, which included replacing the waterproofing and surface as well as improving the drainage, and will now replace bridge bearings that have come to the end of their life.
We have planned the work carefully and have done the majority of the work without any closures on the A21. The next phase will require a number of closures to carry out to complete the repairs. These will take place overnight, when we know traffic flows are lowest.
The concrete repairs started in February and have been carried out underneath the structure with no impact to road users.
The bearing replacements will be carried out using overnight carriageway closures between 9.30pm and 5am, as follows:
- Monday 16 to Friday 20 June: Londonbound carriageway
- Monday 23 to Monday 30 June: Coastbound carriageway
- Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 July: Londonbound carriageway
The A21 will be closed between the A225 and A26 with clearly signed diversion routes in place via the B245, A227 and A26.
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.