EM/242/01
ESSENTIAL BRIDGE AND ROAD REPAIRS ON A57, EAST MARKHAM
Essential repair work to the East Markham Railway Bridge and to two stretches of the A57 between East Markham and Dunham on Trent, Nottinghamshire is set to start in February 2002.
The scheme, costing £3m, involves replacing the parapets and bearings on the bridge and repairing the A57 road surface between Brecks Farm to the Dunham Bridge. It also includes safety improvements in Darlton, Dunham and Whimpton Moor - including better signing and upgraded street lighting.
During the work, which is expected to last until June 2002, the following traffic management measures will be put in place:
* During the bridge renovation traffic will be reduced to single file past the works, with a westbound closure of the A57 between the A6075 and East Markham throughout the duration of the scheme. Westbound traffic will be diverted via the A6075 and B1164. Eastbound traffic will be allowed past the works.
* Safety requirements mean that six weekend closures of the carriageway will be required to erect a temporary working platform alongside the bridge. Traffic will be diverted via the A6075 and B1164 to Markham Moor roundabout on the A1. High vehicles will be routed via the A1, A46 and A1133 to avoid a low bridge in Tuxford.
* Carriageway repair between the villages will be carried out during the week at off-peak times, with convoy traffic control in place between 9.30am and 15.30 on weekdays.
* Due to the narrow widths of carriageway through the villages it will be necessary to close a stretch of the A57 during four weekends. Traffic will be diverted via the A1133 from Newton on Trent, the A46 at Newark and the A1 to the Markham Moor roundabout . Advance signing will be provided at Lincoln and Newark to encourage use of the A46 as an alternative route and to give drivers prior warning of the works.
Highways Agency Route Manager Peter Craddock said:
"This is essential repair work which will strengthen the bridge and road surface and extend the life of the road.
"While delays are inevitable during such a major repair scheme, we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum. Diversion routes will be clearly marked and we advise drivers to allow extra time for their journeys."
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Notes to Editors
1. The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England''s roads and other forms of transport. More information is available at http://www.highways.gov.uk
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