Bridge repairs long delays expected
REPAIRS to the A12 bridge at Brightwell which was struck by rubbish compactor are not likely to be done until at least June.
REPAIRS to the A12 bridge at Brightwell which was struck by rubbish compactor are not likely to be done until at least June.
Staff at Suffolk County Council are currently liaising with contractors May Gurney over the extent of what needs to be done and the cost.
The scale of the repair work is such that it is expected to take months from start to completion.
Sandra Graffham, a county council spokeswoman, said the work would not take place until after the Suffolk Show on May 30 and 31 to minimise the disruption to traffic.
The edging of the bridge will need to be removed and replaced by workmen in order for the repairs to be made.
Mrs Graffham said: “It will take a couple of months to do the work. We are working with the contractor and once we have done that then we will get the cost.”
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To lessen the impact on motorists most of the work is intended to be done at night. However, the council has said certain elements of the repairs will need to be carried out in the daylight.
In the meantime the traffic restrictions currently in place on the bridge over the A12 will continue. At present only a single lane is open for traffic.
The damage occurred when the compactor struck the bridge as the lorry carrying it passed underneath. The accident occurred around 6.45am on Monday, February 20.
Although the road was only re-opened for an hour during the rush hour that day, a subsequent assessment revealed damage to the bridge.
The road was closed for until the following day.
Loose sections of concrete had to be removed to ensure the road was safe.
The accident caused major disruption for motorists who were diverted from the Foxhall Road roundabout, through Bucklesham village and back on to the A12 at the Seven Hills roundabout.
The main road through Kesgrave also bore the brunt of vehicles looking for alternative routes.
