Drivers to expect two weeks of delays as historic 50-year-old bridge gets refurbished
220 metres of the bridge will be refurbished
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Drivers have been warned to expect two weeks' worth of delays as 50-year-old bridge gets refurbished.
The A66 Keswick bridge carries the road over the River Greta just west of Threlkeld village in Cumbria.
The £350,000 project will see the bridge closed from Sunday September 15 until Monday September 30 with drivers urged to find alternative routes.
The work includes resurfacing 220 metres of bridge deck and installing five new expansion joints which allow the bridge structure to expand or contract during changes in the weather.
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M62 will also be closed until Friday September 20
GETTYWilliam Paterson, National Highways project manager, said:“The bridge is more than 50 years old and over the last few years we’ve had to carry out a series of running repairs.
“This comprehensive overhaul will help provide safe, smooth and reliable journeys along the A66 for decades to come and reduce the need for reactive repairs and the associated inconvenience for road users.
“We’ll be working as hard as possible to minimise disruption to drivers’ journeys over the two weeks but some delays in and out of Keswick are to be expected and we advise people to check traffic conditions before setting off and leave a little bit of extra time for travelling - or choose an alternative route.”
The agency stated that the project was deliberately scheduled to take place outside the summer holiday window to avoid major disruptions.
As part of the closure, temporary traffic signals will be monitored at peak times to reduce waiting times at the lights.
During overnight periods traffic will also be escorted through the closure by a convoy vehicle.
National Highways added: “Subject to progress with the project, which could be affected by poor weather, the traffic lights will be removed at noon on Fridays and not restored until Sunday evenings, reducing the inconvenience of roadworks around Keswick which is especially busy at weekends.”
Meanwhile, drivers have been reminded that the M62 will be closed until Friday September 20.
The closures are taking place overnight (9pm to 6am) on both directions of the motorway between junction 19 (Heywood) and 20 (Rochdale).
The nightly closures are to allow Network Rail to safely carry out preparations ahead of the new bridge being installed later this month.
The agency explained: “Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use an alternative route as significant delays are likely.
“For motorists using the M62 over the weekend, check traffic conditions before travelling and allow extra time to complete your journey.”
Clearly signed diversions will be in place throughout the weekend with motorists encouraged to follow these signs rather than a satnav.
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The bridge will be closed from September 15 until Monday September 30PAIn addition, the railway will remain closed until the early morning of September 25 between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.
Rail replacement buses will be in operation, however, with passengers advised to check their travel in advance.