Highways England has reported good progress with several bridge maintenance projects in the Yorkshire region.
The large maintenance project on four bridges on the roundabout at Lofthouse Interchange (M1 junction 42 / M62 junction 29) near Leeds concludes this weekend. The work here included repairing 20 bridge joints, five on each bridge, with this projected finishing on schedule.
Works have included; waterproofing and resurfacing has been carried out on the south and west decks at Lofthouse Interchange.
Weather permitting, the roundabout closures are due to be removed overnight (Friday 21 August), Saturday and Sunday with the junction fully opened by 6am on Monday.
The comes just a month after engineers finished ‘an intricate’ project a year ahead of schedule on the Ouse Bridge, which sits on the M62 and spans River Ouse between Goole and Howden. All 208 bearings were replaced by contractors working diligently underneath the structure.
The new bridge bearings help the structure move in a controlled way during changes in temperature and weather. Work to replace the westbound parapet has begun, meaning the temporary 50mph speed limit will be removed by the end of next month. This work requires one more overnight closure in September to remove roadworks, said Highways England.
Meanwhile, resurfacing and waterproofing – which protects the concrete from slow damage by rainwater and road salt – has been completed on bridges at junction 22 (Rockingstones) and junction 32 (Castleford) of the M62.
The project to replace joints on River Calder bridge on the M1 (junctions 39 to 40) begins next month. The expansion joint steel plates are being replaced to improve safety and create smoother journeys. The dimensions of each plate are ever so slightly different, so they have to be cut perfectly to ensure they last for many years once placed into position. Work starts on Friday 4 September and takes place on both carriageways. It should be wrapped up by the end of November, weather permitting.
Elsewhere, work is underway to waterproof, resurface and replace the joints at junction 27 of Gildersome Interchange on the M62. This is taking place on the westbound side of Gelderd Road bridge deck, where the M621 meets junction 27, and should be completed by the middle of next month, weather permitting.
Next month the bridge barriers are being replaced at the M62 Tingley Interchange at junction 28 and extensive work will be done at junction 30 (Royds Green). Resurfacing and waterproofing is required to prevent damage to the concrete deck, and new expansion joints will be installed to allow the structure to move in a controlled way, said Highways England.
Strict safeguarding measures are in place on site to prevent the spread of COVID19 and will be closely monitored to keep the workforce and road users safe.
Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said: “We are delighted to be completing this complex engineering project at Lofthouse Interchange, which is one of Yorkshire’s biggest structures. We’ve carried out vital improvements on a route that is key in supporting the region’s economy, and I want to thank drivers for their patience.”
