Swing bridge work begins

Steel beams corroded

Three weeks of work on Exeter's swing bridge begin today.

The bridge - on suitably named Bridge Road - is part of the A379. Checks on the outbound carriageway have found that the ends of the two main steel beams of the structure have suffered corrosion and sections need to be replaced.

The bridge will be moved to its open position for extended periods and contraflow arrangements, with temporary traffic lights, will be introduced over the Bascule Bridge. This temporary road layout and traffic signals will be in place 24 hours a day, including weekends, during the work.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: “The corrosion to the steel means this safety critical work needs to be carried out as soon as possible. This kind of scheme, on such a busy route, would normally be carried out overnight but due to the lighter traffic flows during the current lockdown, work can be undertaken in the daytime using contraflow traffic management. Site staff will be following social distancing guidelines, and daytime working should help the progress of the scheme. Every effort will be made to complete this work ahead of schedule.”

For the safety of the public and site workers, the speed limit along Bridge Road will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph. The temporary traffic lights will be monitored by the contactor on site Monday-Friday from 7am to 4pm, to allow priority for emergency vehicles.

A temporary crossing will also be provided to enable the cycle route between the canal basin and Starcross to remain open. This temporary crossing will be manned during busy periods and will be five metres wide to aid social distancing.