Traffic Updates Latest 2020 1

Rochester’s New Bridge to temporarily close

The New Bridge at Rochester is to close for one weekend to enable the complete resurfacing of the roadway.

The closure will begin on the evening of Friday, 31st July, running until Monday morning, 3rd August.

Bridge Clerk Sue Threader explained: “This will be the first time the Trust has closed the bridge in the 14 years I have been in my role. It’s not a decision that was taken lightly. 

“This temporary closure of the New Bridge is to enable lead contractor FM Conway to resurface the entire bridge in one go. This will allow for a continuous surface to be laid and should reduce the need for future maintenance. The alternative would have been to lay the surface in stages but this can increase the likelihood of potholes, and the need for future road works.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this closure will cause.”

The New Bridge takes road traffic from Strood to Rochester. During the closure road users will be diverted to the Medway Tunnel. Pedestrians will still be able to cross.

Liam McGoldrick, FM Conway Senior Contracts Manager, added: ”The works are scheduled to take place at the weekend, however these surfacing works are weather dependant – it must be dry and it cannot be hot – which means we are continually reviewing the progress of current works alongside weather forecasts. Should there be a change to the schedule we will notify the public as soon as possible.”

If you have any questions about the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project, please contact Helen McConnell, Public Liaison Officer for FM Conway, by emailing helen.mcconnell@fmconway.co.uk or calling 07917 518529.

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