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Ref: 430/07 15 November 2007
Essential Work Requires Temporary Closure Of Chester’s Hoole Road Bridge
A major communications exercise was launched today (Thursday), to keep thousands of Chester residents and businesses directly affected by a temporary closure of Hoole Road Bridge, fully informed.
In the days that follow thousands more in the city centre and further afield will receive the same explanatory letter in a bid to ensure Chester’s communities are fully aware of the effects of its closure.
The work to the bridge, first built in the mid-19th century, and carrying the busy A56 route, is required to bring it up to modern load bearing standards and to ensure the future safety of both road and rail users.
Bridge owners, Network Rail, have worked closely with Cheshire County Council to keep disruption to a minimum and the work has been carefully coordinated with other city projects including St Martins Way improvements and Station Gateway.
To allow for parts of the bridge to be demolished and reconstructed, it will need to be closed to vehicles from February 11 2008 for approximately 8 – 12 weeks. Pedestrians and cyclists will have access during this time over temporary bridges.
County Councillor Eveleigh Moore Dutton, Executive member for Highways and Transport said, “While the bridge is owned by Network Rail, Cheshire County Council is acting in partnership to minimise disruption and inconvenience to both local communities and to visitors to Chester from further afield..
“The work needs to be done and the County Council is handling the large scale problem of traffic diversion in order to facilitate the work while keeping the City functioning.
“The strengthening work required for the bridge is inescapable, as is the disruption it will bring, during the construction period. The work is essential to meet EU standards and hopefully the local communities and road users will show patience and understanding during the period of work.”
Strengthening work to Chester’s Hoole Road railway bridge, already the scene of peak hour traffic congestion, will require it to be closed to road vehicles for up to three months early next year.
Vital work will commence from January 7, 2008 and is scheduled for final completion in early May 2008.
The work, a £1.3 million investment, is being carried out by Network Rail in partnership with Cheshire County Council and is essential to bring the bridge in line with European Union regulations.
Hoole Road Bridge is one of a handful of ‘gateway’ entrances to Chester City centre and the closure will have a serious impact on the movement of traffic in and out of the city.
Built in 1854 and improved and modified in 1888 and again in 1967, 15 spans carry the busy roadway over the Chester to North Wales and Chester to Wirral railway lines as well as disused sidings close to Chester Rail Station.
Of necessity the temporary closure will lead to increased congestion at other key locations, the closure of the bridge will see Hoole Road closed at Hoole roundabout except for access.
Access to all shops, residential and business properties along Hoole Road will be maintained at all times throughout the scheme.
Clearly-signed diversion routes will be in place for traffic heading for the City centre and highway officers are currently working on a range of options to be announced nearer the closure date.
During the work, the site compound will be located on the Chester Station West car park in the corner by the bridge resulting in a reduced number of available parking spaces. Users of this car park are advised to seek alternatives for the duration of the scheme or use alternative means of transport to the station where possible.
Local residents and businesses will be kept regularly informed with updated progress reports both before and during the reconstruction work. They can also access www.cheshire.gov.uk/roadworks for full information.
Buses will run as normal although diversionary routes will be in place, journeys may take longer. Three bus stops in Hoole Road will need to be temporarily relocated between Newton Lane and the Bridge.
ENDS
Note To Editors: Further details available from County Councillor Eveleigh Moore Dutton, 07711 817060 and Network Rail’s Media Relations Manager Keith Lumley 0161 880 3142. |