A temporary haulage bridge is set to be installed to enable work on a major road improvement scheme in Somerset.
Engineers working to upgrade a three-mile stretch of the A303 between Sparkford to Ilchester scheme will use a 200-tonne crane to lift the bridge into place next month (May 13-16).
National Highways and delivery partner Galliford Try said the structure will support construction vehicles for around nine months while ground works for the project are completed.
The organisations also said the temporary structure would help ensure the impact of traffic transporting earth from one side of the site to the other would be reduced on motorists and residents.
The scheme, estimated to cost between £100m to £250m, is part of a long-term aim to create a high-quality dual carriageway link between London and the South East and the South West. The upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic in spring 2024.
National Highways has estimated the route currently carries 23,500 vehicles - with numbers increasing significantly in the summer - making journeys “unreliable and unpredictable”.
The organisation, formerly known as Highways England, said the A303 will be closed between the Hazlegrove and Podimore roundabouts for the weekend May 13-16 as bridge beams, decking and other infrastructure lifted into place at Steart Hill.
The weather-dependent installation will involve the crane manoeuvring three bridge beams into place and installing the decking throughout Saturday and Sunday.
During the weekend closures, clearly signed diversions will be in place via the A359 and the A37.
Hannah Sanderson, National Highways’ programme manager, said: “The temporary bridge installation marks a significant milestone for this major scheme, which is incredibly important for Somerset’s future and vital to the A303/A358 corridor.
“It’s exciting how work is progressing, and this temporary haulage bridge means we can minimise disruption throughout the build.
“We will ensure motorists are fully informed of diversions and suggested routes via signing and the media. We advise drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys over the weekend.”
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