Worcestershire County Council has secured funding from the Government to rebuild Evesham’s Abbey Bridge and Viaduct. This important project will ensure Evesham Town Centre keeps its vital link across the River Avon, boosting the town’s economy for years to come.
The existing bridge has been slowly
deteriorating for more than 60 years, despite regular maintenance
work. It is now in a state where it needs to be replaced.
Following a full tender process Hochtief Construction has been
awarded the design and build contract. Its portfolio of work
includes the replacement of the Paddington Bridge in London, and
the Stratford Bridge: an impressive two-lane highway bridge linking
the Olympic Park to the Stratford City Development.
It's previously been confirmed the link across the River Avon will be closed to traffic for only 10 weeks whilst the new Abbey Bridge and Viaduct is constructed – considerably less than the 12 months first anticipated.
For the vast majority of the project,
vehicles will still be able to cross into and out of the historic
market town. The link will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Disabled access will be maintained.
Flooding, heavy snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures
experienced this winter has resulted in some elements of the
replacement project being delayed.
To significantly increase the construction and to make time back on the programme, from May, work will take place on both sides of the structure simultaneously. Whilst this work takes place pedestrian access to the bridge will not be available
A temporary pedestrian bridge, around 30 metres to the west of the Abbey Bridge, has been built – keeping the commitment made to retain pedestrian and cyclist access into and out of the town throughout scheme.
To significantly increase the construction and to make time back on the programme work will take place on both sides of the structure simultaneously from early May.
Whilst this work takes place pedestrian access to the bridge will not be available, therefore a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed on Sunday, April 28 – keeping the commitment made to retain pedestrian and cyclist access into and out of the town throughout scheme.
While the structure is installed a temporary road closure on Waterside - from the Abbey Bridge traffic lights to the hospital access – will be necessary on April 28.
The changes to the work programme due to the weather conditions means the 10-week full closure period is now planned to start in September. Everything will be done to minimise disruption. The traffic management plans put in place following a public consultation last year have not changed. These can be viewed in more detail on the Traffic Mitigation page.
Ensuring Evesham remains 'Open for Business' is a key priority throughout the scheme. A £200,000 initiative to promote the town centre and to support local traders/businesses is also continuing. The partnership project between Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and the Evesham Market Town Partnership, which began in summer 2012, includes an 18-month campaign managed by local company, Quicksilver PR to showcase and communicate what Evesham has to offer for residents and visitors from further afield, a major discount scheme applying to car-parking charges during the closure period and business support/advice.
Don't forget that you could win £1,000 worth of
Your Evesham Shops gift vouchers by supporting the town and picking
up your Y.ES loyalty card from participating shops, the Tourist
Information Centre at the Almonry Museum, Evesham Customer Contact
Centre and Wychavon Reception, Civic Centre (Pershore). For more
information visit www.eveshamtown.co.uk/index.php/enjoy/loyaltycard
To keep residents and traders informed on the progress of the project a regular newsletter is being produced (also available to download from the Latest News page). In addition people can keep up-to-date via the Evesham Abbey Bridge and Viaduct Latest News section on this website. Updates will also be available via the County Council's Twitter account – look out for #abbeybridge.