Major road bridge in Peterborough to be closed for essential safety works

The bridge on Peterborough Road between Stanground and Farcet will be shut for six weeks while vital stress absorption joints are replace.

Council chiefs say the bridge will be closed on July 27 to drivers of all vehicles and pedestrians.

Diversions for pedestrians and motorists will be put in place over the six weeks.

Councillor Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport at Peterborough City Council, said: "It is important that these works are completed to ensure the longevity of the structure.

"We have been mindful that the closure will create a challenge for some people and have tried to minimise the impact of the works by completing during the school holidays.

"We will progress the scheme as quickly as possible and would like to thank people for their patience and understanding whilst the joints are replaced."

A bridge joint is a gap between two sections of a bridge that allows for the expansion and contraction that occurs with differing temperatures, winds and heavy loads.

They also act as stress absorption and prevent water and debris damaging the internal structure of the bridge.

Over time the joints deteriorate and require replacement to maintain the structural integrity of the bridge.

The works will be delivered by M Group, which is the council's highways partner.

A council spokesperson added: “We would encourage people to familiarise themselves with the diversion routes and allow additional time for their journeys.”

News of the bridge closure comes just days before a major roundabout in Peterborough is to be partially closed for about a year and is expected to cause delays for many road users.

Major restrictions will be put in place at the Queensgate roundabout from July 6 to allow a major regeneration project to start.