National Highways will start work to demolish and rebuild two public rights of way for pedestrians over the M5 near Gloucester from next month.
The Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges, between junctions 11 and 12 of the M5, have served as pedestrian footpaths for the past 64 years but have deteriorated beyond repair and are now in need of replacing.
The bridges were closed for safety reasons in March and both structures will be demolished over the weekend of 16-19 October, with new, modern standard bridges being constructed in their place.
The two bridges, both 69 metres in length, will be dismantled by high-reach excavators over the weekend, with 440 tonnes of concrete and 14 tonnes of steel tendons removed from the carriageway before the road reopens for Monday morning commuter traffic.
National Highways Route Manager Ewan Greenhill said:
“Like many of our motorways and structures, the bridges have exceeded their structural lifespan, and replacing them will ensure the safety of road users and keep people and goods moving safely.
“Both bridges are public rights of way, and we’re working closely with Gloucestershire County Council and others in terms of the replacement plans.
“In the meantime, we appreciate the weekend closure will have impacts for the travelling public, we thank people in advance for their patience and our advice to drivers is to plan ahead, consider alternative routes and allow extra time for their journeys.”
(Picture: National Highways)
