Work on the landmark Wentbridge Viaduct in West Yorkshire is to take longer than expected after engineers discovered issues with the road surface and waterproofing layer.
National Highways says the Grade Two listed structure on the A1 has suffered a loss of concrete on the concrete deck ends, exposed areas of reinforcement, damage to the maintenance walkway anchor points (under the bridge) and defects to the safety barrier foundations.
Although the original finish date was earmarked for this month, it will now take until April next year to complete the works.
In a statement, National Highways says:
Whilst these issues have not caused a safety risk to the public, we must address them now to ensure they do not worsen and cause future closures for emergency repairs. Unfortunately, the design and approval of these repairs must be completed before the work can be undertaken, which is why you may have noticed periods of inactivity on the bridge itself.
We can assure you we are working as hard as possible to rectify these issues and have the bridge open to traffic as normal.
We understand that this revised completion date is disappointing, and that work is causing disruption. This part of the A1 has evolved over many years as opposed to being a purposely built motorway, this means diversion options and alternative routes for drivers are limited.
We are doing all we can to reduce the impact on drivers and residents. This includes extensive signage from the M25 to Scotch Corner, a considerable number of fixed signs along the A1, B6474, Westfield Lane and village locations including Wentbridge and East Hardwick. We continue to share extensive press, web, and social media updates to ask drivers to use alternative motorway routes.
(Picture – National Highways)
