Abbey Bridge to close for just ten weeks and people get chance to give views on traffic plans

Worcestershire County Council has confirmed the link across the River Avon to Evesham town centre will be closed to traffic for just 10 weeks whilst the new Abbey Bridge and Viaduct is constructed – considerably less than the 12 months first anticipated.

Work on the structure, which should take around a year to complete, is planned to begin in October this year but for the vast majority of major project vehicles will still be able to cross into and out of the historic market town through two-way traffic.

A 10-week full closure to traffic will be needed as things progress. That is expected to happen in June, July and August, 2013. The link will remain open throughout to pedestrians, along with cyclists and motorcyclists (who will be asked to dismount before crossing).

Minimising disruption and keeping Evesham 'Open for Business' is a key priority for the scheme

Residents and traders will have the opportunity to look at designs of the new bridge, find our more information about the scheme and have their say on traffic management proposals at two public events.

The first is taking place at Evesham Town Hall on Wednesday, February 22, between 4pm and 7pm. Another is planned for the Riverside Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 3, between 11am and 3pm. Officers will be at both events to answer questions.

Anyone not able to attend can pick up a consultation brochure, which includes a freepost form where views can be expressed and posted back to the County Council. Alternatively the dedicated webpage www.worcestershire.gov.uk/abbeybridge contains all details on the plans and offers visitors to have their say via a simple online questionnaire.

People are being asked for their views until April 20 on two possible options when it comes to traffic management during the 10-week closure. They are:

• (Option One) The use of Oat Street and temporary two-way traffic on Mill Street or:
• (Option Two) A temporary one-way system through Bridge Street.

Both options will be accompanied by extensive signing on all major routes into Evesham, stretching as far as Junction 7 of the M5, giving details of the temporary diversion routes to allow motorists to plan journeys.

Following a competitive tender process Hochtief Construction, which has vast experience in this field, has been awarded the design and build contract. Its portfolio of work includes the replacement of the Paddington Bridge, London, and the current Stratford Bridge 12 two-lane highway bridge linking the Olympic Park to the Stratford City Development.

Cllr John Smith OBE, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and County Councillor for Evesham North West, said: "Getting things right during the competitive tender process was vital to ensure the contract was awarded to the contractor aiming to keep any potential disruption to a minimum, whilst at the same time replacing this vital link offering the best value for money for the taxpayer.

"Keeping Evesham 'Open for Business' is a key priority and the good news is the closure period is expected to be around 10 weeks rather than the 12 months originally anticipated when work first began on this project.

"Ensuring local people and businesses are informed throughout has also been, and will continue to be, very important. This is why we're asking people to tell us what they think about the traffic management options so we know what the feeling in the area is before any final decision is made allowing people plenty of time to plan ahead."

Cllr Bob Banks, County Councillor for Evesham South, said: "The planned closure period is a lot shorter than first thought when this scheme was first drawn up, which is great news for the area.

"I'd like to encourage anyone interested to stop by at the information events to find out more and tell us what they think would be best for the town when it comes to managing the traffic whilst the link is temporarily closed to vehicles. We want to hear what the people of Evesham think."

The Department for Transport confirmed in December that, following a competitive bidding process, the County Council's funding submission had been successful and would receive more than £8million from Central Government.

Replacing the structure is the only option as it's been slowly deteriorating for more than 60 years despite regular maintenance work. The alternative, now avoided, would have been to lower weight limits over time eventually leading to a managed closure to all traffic causing severe restrictions to movement in the town and surrounding area.

For more information about the bid please visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/abbeybridge