A nationwide first road mechanism is being introduced by National Highways to repair a crucial stretch of highway, all while allowing traffic to continue flowing.
Experts will be using "innovative engineering" on the A14 River Nene viaduct in Northamptonshire to improve maintenance and reduce noise.
While the work to fix the bridge is expected to take around three months, National Highways estimates that the new joint, which has never been used in the UK, will keep the road open as much as possible.
The bridging plates are being installed to span the excavated area. These can be raised to allow access for overnight work and lowered to let traffic through during the day.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk
The new joint system will be used in the UK for the first time
MAGEBA
Without using the new bridging plates, which are temporary, the route would need to be closed to all traffic throughout the day for several weeks.
The expansion on the A14 between Junctions 12 and 13 will see the bridging plates winched and locked into place during the roadworks.
Simon Wagstaff, project manager at National Highways, said: "The current joint was installed 25 years ago and has reached the end of its serviceable life.
"These joints prevent stress build-up and potential cracking or damage, so it’s vital they are well maintained and replaced when necessary.
National Highways aims for the project to be completed by December
MAGEBA
"But we appreciate that roadworks can be disruptive, particularly on such a busy route, so we have gone that extra mile to find a solution which will minimise the impact on road users."
Locals who want to know more about the project can do so at a public information event being held on the bridge near Thrapston later this month.
The scheme will officially launch on Friday, August 29, with hopes that the roadworks will be completed by December.
Work will initially take place on the eastbound carriageway, before switching to the westbound carriageway to minimise the impact on road users.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Major 'do not drive' recall sees motorists forced off roads until 2026 with 120,000 Britons impacted
- UK city to launch adults-only electric bike scheme next year despite vandalism and theft worries
- Drivers expect Labour U-turn on 2030 petrol and diesel car ban with UK set to 'fall well short' of EV goal
The works will see the A14 being closed between Junction 10 (Burton Latimer) and Junction 13 (Thrapston) to reduce the amount of traffic diverting through Thrapston and other neighbouring communities.
The expansion joints are flexible and allow for any movement within the structure, which could be due to thermal expansion or contraction, or the impact of traffic.
At times, the road will need to be closed for the safety of the workforce and locals, although this will usually be done at night to minimise the impact on traffic.
A quick release system will be deployed as part of the new joint, allowing it to be replaced at night, which will "significantly reduce disruption".
The current damaged joint needs to be repaired in the interests of road safety
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
HGVs are being warned that contractor Carnell will have a safety van in Thrapston that will record any heavy goods vehicles ignoring the weight limit.
National Highways said that this footage would be shared with the police and transport managers would be contacted to alert them of the rule breaches.
Wagstaff concluded: "We are determined, where possible, to minimise disruption for not only the people using our roads but also those in nearby communities who may be impacted by our work.
"We've been working with the police, local councils and MP to understand concerns about high volumes of traffic diverting through Thrapston, particularly those ignoring the weight limit.
"During the work, we will be reminding road users to follow the well-signed diversion route and not their sat navs."
Most Read
