The second of two new bridge decks for the A1 junction improvements at Colsterworth, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, will be lifted into place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday July 19/20 as part of ongoing works to improve one of the busiest stretches of the A1 in the country.

The bridge will be put into position at the junction with the B6403 High Dyke and Bridge End in a similar operation to the first successful lift carried out in May at the Colsterworth roundabout.

In order to carry out the work safely and in the quickest possible time, it is necessary to close the A1 to through traffic in both directions from 6pm on the Saturday to approximately midday on the Sunday.

The A1 will be closed between the A607 Harlaxton Road junction at Harlaxton and the A606 junction at Stamford. Through traffic will be diverted via the A607 Harlaxton Road towards Melton, then the A606 through Oakham to rejoin the A1 at Stamford, or vice versa.


See a Google map showing the diversion.

Highways Agency project leader Bill Birkett said:

"The first bridge lift in May was very successful. Everything ran according to plan, to the point that we were able to open the A1 three hours ahead of schedule. We will strive to do this again in order to minimise disruption.

"We would advise road users to allow extra time for their journeys and to familiarise themselves with the diversion route before travelling."

The operation also involves the removal of the disused railway bridge over the A1. It will be lifted and carried off the A1 so that it can be dismantled along side the main carriageway. This reduces the length of closure required. Materials from the old bridge will be recycled and reused on site where possible.

Further information about the Colsterworth improvements, including images of how each junction will look, are available on the Highways Agency website at http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/14948.aspx