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The tendering process for Chislehurst Road bridge is now underway following final design approval.
The contractors have already been shortlisted and could start work on the bridge re-build project in October 2011. The £6 million construction scheme follows safety inspections which revealed severe structural weaknesses in the bridge. Subsequent engineering studies concluded that there were no other alternatives other than to re-build the bridge, with traffic being temporarily diverted along other routes.
“It is very good news that the long term fully functioning future of this vital bridge has been assured. All the options have been explored but unfortunately, the bridge will be closed to traffic for a significant time period. We are doing everything possible to minimise the length of the closure period within the contract setting process” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment. Chislehurst Road bridge currently has a 7.5 tonnes weight restriction limit and this combined with the width restrictions stop heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the bridge. Regular safety inspections show that the bridge is safe for smaller vehicles but the inspections also show that the life of the bridge is limited as it continues to deteriorate and that it needs to be replaced.
When the works contractor is appointed and a construction timetable is agreed, the Council will publicise the schedule so that local residents and motorists are aware of the plans. The construction design was approved by London Bridges Engineering Group (LoBEG) (www.lobeg.co.uk) and Network Rail (www.networkrail.co.uk) are aware of the bridge re-build proposal which has Transport for London (TfL) (www.tfl.gov.uk) funding.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk
