Bridge Strengthening Strategy
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The maximum permitted weight of lorries was increased in February 2001 to 44 tonnes. All bridges have had to be assessed to see if they could cope with this increase safely. The assessment work needed concerning the Council's bridges and retaining walls, together with British Waterways, Rail Property Ltd bridges and Railtrack bridges, is virtually complete. |
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Our policy is to give priority to the completion of the assessment programme. Pending strengthening, public safety is maintained on those bridges assessed as weak by using temporary weight restrictions or other measures and restrictions.
The final number of bridges in Cheshire predicted to be sub-standard after assessment is 173. Of the total length of Council retaining walls assessed, 320 yards (290 metres) has been identified as in need of strengthening.
The strengthening programme is well advanced, with priority having been given to principal road bridges. For substandard bridges on the non-principal road network, decisions are made whether to permanently weight restrict rather than strengthen. Each bridge is considered on its merits taking into account safety, economic and environmental factors.
For further information please contact John Violet 01244 973690 |
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