A442: One of Telford's busiest roads to shut for second bridge lift
One of Telford's busiest roads will be partially shut for nearly a week from Wednesday.
The A442 Eastern Primary, better known as the EP, will be closed in both directions between the Hollinswood Interchange and Wombridge until next Tuesday.
One of Europe's largest cranes will be returning to the town to put in place the main span of the new bridge linking Telford Central train station with Ironmasters Way, near Telford Shopping Centre.
The crane will be built over three days, with the separate sections being delivered by 16 escorted wagons. The actual lift will take place on Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Telford & Wrekin Council warned that there could be delays on the roads, and advised that people use diversions.
From July:
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “It has been very exciting watching the new bridge take shape and the lift of the main span promises to be quite a spectacle.
“We appreciate that road closures will be inconvenient but we’re doing all we can to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible.
“We’re asking businesses to support the community by staggering start times for employees working in and around the town centre or allowing people to work from home where possible.
“Residents can also help by car sharing or cycling into work. Small changes can make a difference to congestion at peak times.
“I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this work is being carried out.”
Diversions will be in place throughout the road closure.
Lifted
Travelling from the Aqueduct and Madeley areas, people will be able to travel along Queen Elizabeth Avenue to Telford Shopping Centre, Naird Farm Road towards the M54, Donnington and Newport or into Stafford Park.
There will be a signed diversion route between Greyhound roundabout and Telford Way.
Motorists who want to avoid the EP completely will be able to use a diversion from Shawbirch Roundabout into south Telford and vice versa.
As well as both directions on the EP, the nearby Rampart Way will also have to be closed overnight while the main span of the bridge is lifted into place. Rail travel will continue uninterrupted.
The main span is 90m in length and weighs 230 tonnes. It has been constructed on site adjacent to Rampart Way during the past three months.
The size of the structure means the whole operation is highly sensitive to weather conditions. Strong winds may result in the lift being postponed so contingencies have been made for a possible lift on September 17, 18 or 19 and also the following weekend depending on conditions.
The bridge will not be opened to the public until later this year.
Full details of traffic diversions can be found at telford.gov.uk/footbridge
