Progress on the refurbishment of Durham’s New Elvet Bridge is continuing, with the key city centre route set to reopen next month.
Essential works are being carried out on the bridge, which closed in July last year to allow repairs which will ensure the bridge remains structurally sound.
To date, the scheme has seen the northern joint repaired and the southern joint completely removed. Extensive concrete repairs have also been carried out and an electronic concrete protection system is being installed to provide additional protection for the years to come.
Water proofing and drainage works have been completed and surfacing of the bridge deck was undertaken at the end of August, but additional work is still required before the bridge can safely reopen to vehicles and pedestrians.
The final phases of the work will include the continued installation of the electronic concrete protection system to the underside of the bridge, application of protective coatings, further road surfacing and markings, footpath paving works, installation of lighting columns and removal of the suspended access platforms and site compound before the bridge reopens to the public.
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council Cabinet member for Rural Communities and Highways, said: “Work on the bridge is progressing well and in the coming weeks people will notice a visual change in the appearance of the bridge compared to pre-works, with a brighter, textured finish, as we near the end of the project.
“However, there is still work to be done to ensure the bridge remains fit for purpose and to ensure that more extensive work won’t be needed in the future, but we are on track to reopen New Elvet Bridge in October. I know that people are keen to see the bridge reopened and I would like to thank all businesses, residents and visitors for their continued patience whilst we undertake these essential repairs.”
