Branston Bridge could reopen within weeks after repair work
Completion is currently scheduled for 10 July, but this may change if other issues are found with the bridge or if weather conditions slow things down."When excavating for the works, and at the crown of the bridge, the crew are working with only a few courses of old bricks between them and the live railway below," said Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways on the Reform UK-controlled authority."It is important that they ensure they allow concrete to cure and strengthen fully as each stage of the works progress, and one reason why these works are perceived to be taking time to complete."We will not put pressure on crews to take unnecessary risks just for a speedy outcome."He added: "Although the weather has been kind so far, this is another factor that could result in the work having to continue beyond 10 July."On the other hand, if we don't encounter any more issues, work could finish ahead of schedule."
Crews are beginning installation of a concrete saddle to reinforce the bridge.After the concrete has reached the required strength, work would begin to install temporary supports for a live water main, they said.Once the final layer of concrete has been cast, drainage will be installed at each end, kerbing and paving laid, brickwork repointed and the road resurfaced.Monitoring equipment which has been recording the movement of the structure would continue, the council said.
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