Andrew has received an update from National Highways regarding essential works to the M180 flyover bridge at Beltoft.
Andrew reports, “As local residents may be aware, National Highways currently have a lane closure on the M180 to protect a beam that became exposed after the arm of an excavator being towed by a lorry struck the bridge, badly damaging it. The closure is necessary as any further strikes to the beam could severely compromise the integrity of the bridge.
“There are also traffic signals and a lane closure on the overbridge to avoid any additional weight being transferred to the damaged edge beam.
“National Highways have explained that when they undertook an initial estimate, they envisaged only having to strip half the deck on the overbridge to replace the edge beam and repair the other damaged beams. They have procured the replacement beam in readiness for the works to start, however, I am informed that the existing waterproofing system has since been found to contain asbestos and thus ‘lapping’ the new waterproofing to the existing system cannot be undertaken. This has unfortunately delayed both the design and delivery phases.
“With the addition of a required BT diversion and the lead in time for materials, National Highways say work is now scheduled to start in February and be complete by May 2024, subject to weather etc.”
If there are any problems e.g. traffic lights, litter, potholes or overgrown vegetation on the bridge, residents can report these directly to National Highways at: https://report.nationalhighways.co.uk/
