Andrew has provided a further update regarding the M62 Ouse Bridge works.
Andrew explained on Facebook:
I had a good update meeting this morning with National Highways regarding the M62 Ouse Bridge issues.
I will continue to monitor this issue closely and push for action. In terms of the contraflow system which seems to be working reasonably well, the Agency are continuing to monitor this and may be able to make some improvements by removing the speed restrictions.
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In terms of the longer term repair and replacement these are the key points -
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- The damaged joint originates from 1975 and was at end of life and joints of this sort are no longer manufactured. These joints expand by over a foot and a half.
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- The bridge has 8 joints of this type which were all scheduled to be replaced in 2024/25 as they reach the end of their life.
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- It looks like the damage to the joint has also damaged some of the concrete it sits in. The concrete inspection will take place in the next couple of weeks and then take a couple of weeks to analyze.
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- In a month or so time, we will know if there is to be a temporary repair or permanent repair. Temporary looks most likely option and this should see the motorway open more quickly and fully in the summer.
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- A temporary fix is most likely and will be quicker, as bringing forward the full replacement of all 8 joints would take a lot longer as there is a 30 week lead in time for the manufacture of the joints and before that the scheme would need to be designed and signed off and funded.
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- When they do come and do the full replacements of the 8 joints, which date to the original construction of the bridge, the Agency tell me that a contraflow would be used to limit disruption, some work could be undertaken from underneath and disruption would be limited as much as possible to weekends and overnight. That is some way off though.
Hopefully this is useful and keeps residents updated. When I know more I will update again
