New footbridge to be provide safe passage over A5
Schoolchildren, cyclists and pedestrians will soon be able to use a new and wider bridge to cross the A5.
The footbridge across the A5 at Atherstone which is being replaced
Highways England is replacing a reinforced concrete bridge that crosses the A5 at Atherstone, north Warwickshire, with a new steel one that will last for years to come.
It will be built close to the existing one, which serves the Queen Elizabeth Academy, to ensure there is a crossing point and minimise the disruption for pedestrians and the local community.
Highways England Project Manager, Dave Lynch, said:
It’s important pedestrians and cyclists are able to cross our roads safely.
We are replacing the existing bridge with a new one that is more accessible, meets the current standards and will reduce the need for extensive maintenance to be carried out on the bridge for many years.
The new wider bridge can be safely used by both pedestrians and cyclists and the gradient of the new access ramps will meet modern standards.
The headroom clearance of the bridge over traffic using the dual carriageway will also be altered to meet current regulations.
The installation will be carried out in two phases. Early works are taking place this week which will include vegetation clearance and preparation for a contraflow which will be used during the main works.
To ensure the safety of road workers while the work takes place, a number of road closures will be needed. The A5 will be closed in both eastbound and westbound directions on the following dates:
- 8pm on Friday 19 February to 6am on Monday 22 February
- 7am on Saturday 27 February to 7pm on Sunday 28 February
- 8pm on Saturday 13 March to 6am on Monday 15 March
Outside of these times there will be a lane closure and a 50mph speed limit.
A clearly signed diversion route, agreed with the local authority, will be in place during the road closures.
The main works will begin in July which will involve building the foundations and supports for the new bridge and installation of the structure. The existing bridge will be demolished at a later date.
Most of this work will be carried out using the contraflow and lane closures and without the need for further full road closures.
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