Long-term monitoring has found that the two bridges which carry the M4 over Ashampstead Road and Dark Lane, near Bradfield in West Berkshire, require extensive repair due to chloride-induced corrosion.
To address these defects and ensure the structures remain in a safe and serviceable condition Kier Highways Ltd, on behalf of Highways England, will be undertaking the following works:
■ Replacing the beams along the central reserve and longitudinal and transverse joints
■ Replacing the waterproofing material
■ Replacing the existing safety barrier (VRS) over the bridge central reserve
The scheme is scheduled to start in mid-February 2017 and is expected to take seven months to complete. Work will primarily be undertaken during day time hours, however some activities will be carried out at night when necessary.
Traffic Management
In order to carry out the work as efficiently and safely as possible, the following traffic management restrictions will be in place:
■ 24 hour narrow lane running in contraflow on both carriageways with a 50mph speed limit
■ Overnight lane closures (Monday to Friday, 9pm to 6am)
■ Overnight closures of the M4 between junctions 12 and 13 (Monday to Friday, 9pm to 6am)
■Daytime lane closures over weekend periods (9pm Friday through to 5am Sunday)
■ Closure of Dark Lane beneath the bridge – Monday 6 March to Thursday 4 May
■ Closure of Ashampstead Road beneath the bridge – Monday 13 March to Friday 26 May
Weekend Closures
During work to demolish and install the bridge deck beams, specialist working methods and equipment will be required which will include large cranes that’ll sit across all lanes of the motorway. Due to this there will be a requirement to close the M4 east and westbound carriageways between junctions 12 and 13 for entire weekend periods (9pm Friday through to 5am Monday).
The weekend closures are currently scheduled for:
■ Friday 31 March to Monday 3 April
■ Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April
■ Friday 5 May to Monday 8 May
The planning of all roadworks is led by safety – for both road users and workers alike. These full weekend closures are required due to nature of the activities to be undertaken which cannot be done using other methods of traffic management.
During these closures a clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4 (through Newbury, Thatcham and Woolhampton).
Confirmed dates for all closures will be displayed on signs along the M4.
Significant delays are expected during these weekend closure periods, and it is advised that you plan ahead of your journey to allow for extra time or avoid this route where possible.
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during the works. If you have any questions or if you’d like you know about the work please contact Highways England’s customer control centre:
Phone: 0300 123 5000
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.highways.gov.uk
Local Twitter: @HighwaysSEAST
Post: Highways England, Bridge House, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, GU1 4LZ