| The Highways Agency is holding an exhibition for local residents, to provide information on the forthcoming works up Whitechapel Bridge, which carries the B6120 over the M62 near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. |
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| The exhibition will take place on Wednesday 14 July at Whitcliffe Mount Business & Enterprise College, Turnstead Avenue, Cleckheaton, between 2pm and 8pm. There will be representatives from the Highways Agency project team, their designers A-one+ and the main contractor Lafarge May Gurney available to discuss the scheme.The works to divert utility services running through the bridge are currently taking place. Telephone, electricity and gas works have already been completed and work to divert a sewer is nearing completion.The major work to replace the bridge will begin mid-August once the utility works have been completed. During the bridge work the B6120 will be closed to traffic and pedestrians for approximately 42 weeks. Once the works are finished the new bridge will restore an important link between the local communities of Scholes and Cleckheaton, and significantly reduce the need for any future bridge works.
The Highways Agency is putting in measures to minimise the disruption for local residents and schools. A free bus service for pedestrians who would normally use the bridge will be provided for the duration of the works and will be operated by Arriva. Representatives from Arriva have been invited to attend the exhibition to answer any queries regarding the revised local bus routes. During the road closure clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for drivers and cyclists. These have been planned in close consultation with the local councils. Weekend overnight closures of the M62 motorway will also be required for the removal of the bridge and to put the new bridge in place. The demolition of the bridge will take place in September and October, with works to replace the bridge deck due to take place in December and January. Highways Agency project manager, Tim Calvert, said: “We understand that this work will cause disruption for local residents and this is an opportunity to come and speak to us about the scheme. We will carry out this work as quickly and efficiently as possible and are putting in place a range of measures to minimise the disruption for local residents and schools. During the works drivers are advised to plan their journey and allow extra time when travelling on the diversion routes.” |
