Overnight inspections of A45 Wootton Fields Bridge near Northampton
HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (EM/275/04) issued by the Government News Network on 3 November 2004
Routine inspections to ensure the continued safety of the Wootton Fields Bridge over the A45 near Northampton, will be carried out over four nights from Monday 8 November.
Just over 2km of the A45 will be affected, with single lane closures on both carriageways and a 50mph speed restriction in operation. Alternate lane closures will also be in force on the bridge itself.
Work will take place from 8pm until 6am each night. Delays are expected to be minimal.
Northbound traffic wishing to exit at the Wootton Fields junction during a lane one closure will be diverted along the A45 to the Queen Eleanor interchange to return southbound to the Wootton Fields junction.
Trevor Wilkinson, Highways Agency structures manager said:
"This investigatory work is vital to ensure the structure continues to remain safe. By drilling bore holes we will be able to check that the steel reinforcement within the bridge is still in good condition.
"To minimise disruption to the travelling public, the work will be carried out at night when traffic is lightest. I would remind drivers to take extra care when driving through the works."
- The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport.
- The work will be carried out by Carillion-URS and Henderson Thomas Associates and supervised by Carillion-URS on behalf of the Highways Agency.
Safe driving at roadworks.
In 2002, the latest year for which the figures are available, five roadworkers were killed and 29 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
Drivers approaching roadworks are advised to:
- Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety.
- Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching.
- Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
- Be alert for works traffic leaving or entering roadworks.
- Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front.
- Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
Issued on behalf of the Highways Agency by GNN East Midlands
For enquiries from the media, journalists and researchers only, Highways Agency press officers can be contacted at 0115 971 2788.
Media enquiries out of hours can be made to 0207 081 7443. All other enquiries about the Highways Agency, its role and responsibilities, should be made through the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30.
