Roadworks lasting six months set to begin on Tamar Bridge
It's so the deck can be resurfaced
Work to resurface the deck of the Tamar Bridge is due to begin in April.
The project is expected to take six months to complete, with all three lanes on the main deck and both the north and south cantilevers being resurfaced.
As well as resurfacing the bridge deck, Tamar Crossings are also taking the opportunity to resurface the toll plaza area and the bridge approaches.
The project is due to be finished by the end of September, when all the lanes will be re-opened to traffic.
Three traffic lanes will be kept open throughout the works to help minimise disruption to bridge users, with the south cantilever used as an additional traffic lane when necessary.
This means that the south cantilever will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooter users for the duration of the works. As with the kerb replacement project, a free bus service will be provided to enable these groups to cross the bridge.
The iconic suspension bridge was last fully resurfaced between 1999 and 2001.
The deck of the Tamar Bridge needs to be resurfaced every 20 to 25 years to prevent damage occurring to the steel deck.
In the last 20 years the Bridge has carried around 300 million vehicles.
Routine inspections of the bridge surfacing are carried out every four months.
During the last two years these inspections have revealed that the existing surface is nearing the end of its serviceable life and requires replacement.
The £6m cost of the project is being met by Tamar Crossings funded from toll income. That project cost also covers replacement of the illuminated lane studs and includes the costs of design and supervision.
The project was originally due to be carried out during 2020, but was postponed until this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to complete the kerb replacement works.
While work on the project will officially begin at the beginning of April, significant preparation work needs to take place before the contractor starts work on the bridge deck.
Lane restrictions will not be introduced until the middle of April.
"We recognise that the timing of the project means that the resurfacing will be continuing over the summer period.
"Unfortunately the need to carry out the majority of the works during dry and mild weather means that we cannot move the project to the winter months.
"Delaying the scheme for another year would lead to further deterioration in the surface of the deck.
"It is also not possible to carry out the works solely at night as the lanes cannot be re-opened to traffic until the resurfacing has been completed. Working at night also introduces other issues, such as worker safety and noise. Using heavy plant and machinery at night would have a major impact on the lives of the people close to the bridge."
Richard Cole, Engineering Manager, Tamar Crossings
While the crossing will remain open throughout the works, the traffic management arrangements and lane restrictions mean that drivers of ‘abnormal loads’ may be restricted during certain phases of the project.
Advanced warning signs will be placed at key locations on the A38 and the local traffic network, as well as on the main motorway junctions.
Tamar Crossings say regular updates on the project will be posted on their website and social media channels.
"We are, of course, very conscious of the importance of the Tamar Bridge as a vital transport link between Cornwall and Devon.
"This is a major once in 20-25 years scheme which is essential for the safety of bridge users and in ensuring a long service life for the structure.
"We will be working closely with contractors and partners to deliver the resurfacing project safely, efficiently and with as little disruption to bridge users as possible."
David List, General Manager, Tamar Crossings