Seven weeks of overnight road closures will begin tomorrow as work begins on Dunnings Bridge Road.
National Highways has confirmed several road closures will be in effect on the A5036 close to the junction between the A5038 and Park Lane from April 18.
Work is set to get underway upgrading a temporary pedestrian crossing put in place following the demolition of the road’s “iconic” footbridge last year.
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The bridge, which had already been earmarked for demolition, was hit by a HGV in October 2022. It was later declared “unsafe for pedestrian use”, sparking a major demolition operation.
Temporary pedestrian access was then put in place, although residents in the area have spoken of concerns over safety.
As part of works to improve pedestrian access across the dual carriageway, National Highways announced last week in a letter to residents that several overnight road closures would come into effect while upgrades to the temporary crossing works were being carried out.
The closure details are:
April 18 – 20: Westbound carriageway and eastbound lane two closure
April 21: Eastbound carriageway and westbound lane two closure
April 24 – 25: Eastbound carriageway and westbound lane two closure
April 26 – 28, May 1 – 5 and May 15: Lane one closure on east and westbound carriageways
May 16 – 17: Lane two closure on east and westbound carriageways
May 18 – 19, May 22 – 24: Eastbound carriageway and westbound lane two closure
May 25, May 30 – 31: Westbound carriageway and eastbound lane two closure
National Highways said the closure will be in effect between 8pm and 5am with a pause during Eurovision in the week commencing May 8 to “minimise disruption.”
A statement posted on the National Highways website said the temporary pedestrian crossing put in place following the demolition of the bridge last October will be upgraded to include a new controller system as well as road markings, street lighting and pedestrian guardrails to improve safety for road users and pedestrians.
The spokesperson said: “The existing crossing will remain functional during the works as the upgraded crossing will be built alongside it.”
National Highways added that diversion routes will be “clearly signed when full road closures are in effect” and have been agreed with the local authority and emergency services.
The spokesperson said: “Every effort will be made to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. However, our work will create some noise. We’d like to apologise in advance for any disturbance this may cause you.”
Residents, posting about the closures in a local Facebook group spoke of their exasperation that a new bridge was yet to be developed.
One person said: “It’s an absolute joke the bridge needs replacing, I knew they would just do lights and they are causing a huge backlog all the time.”
National Highways said a review was currently being carried out into a replacement for the footbridge, stating: “We continue to look for a safe, permanent solution that recognises the needs of all road users.”
The spokesperson added: “We will undertake a process of engagement with the local community in the summer and listen to feedback on our proposals.”
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