More works to Weymouth Town Bridge getting underway
Dorset Council's starting the second phase of work
Weymouth Town Bridge will be closed to traffic once again from today (Monday 25th September) for the next two months.
Dorset Council's carrying out the second phase of repair works there - to replace and strengthen the welds on one half of the bridge.
That's needed to prevent water seeping through the deck and into the beams, which would cause damage and affect its operation.
The first half of the work was completed in 2022.
The latest work is due to be finished by Thursday 30th November, with tents being put up over the work area to keep it going in poor weather.
Diversions in place
During the works, the bridge will be closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a signed diversion will be in place.
Access will be kept for pedestrians on one side of the bridge throughout the works.
To assist HGVs making local deliveries, a one-way system will be in place overnight from 6.00pm to 9.00am.
Delivery vehicles will be directed south into the town along St Thomas Street and north out of town along St Mary Street.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“The bridge has over 2,700 welds attaching the steel deck plates to the bridge beams, and last year, the team replaced 267 on the one half. Once they have surveyed the welds on the second half, they will carry out repairs to protect this vital lifting bridge for many more years to come.
“It’s a complex process, protecting the historic bridge while maintaining it for modern day traffic, but one that our skilled team carry out carefully and efficiently. I thank everyone for their patience as this work is completed.”