The Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project is to enter its next phase, as work begins on the deck of the Old Bridge.
The activities, which will commence on Monday, 22nd June, will be carried out by FM Conway, on behalf of the Rochester Bridge Trust. They include replacement of expansion joints, deck resurfacing, and heritage lighting enhancement.
To facilitate safe working, the crossing will be brought down to one lane of traffic, and the cycleway and footway suspended. Pedestrians will be asked to cross the road to use the re-opened New Bridge footway, while cyclists are asked to continue in the road or use the cycle lane on the New Bridge.
As a result of the works, vehicular access to Rochester Esplanade will be limited to traffic turning left from Corporation Street. There will be no exit from the Esplanade at this end, a diversion will be put in place. To make the most of this required closure, drainage works have been brought forward in this area.
Liam McGoldrick, FM Conway Senior Contracts Manager, explained: “The disruption caused by the covid-19 crisis means we have had to review the scope of the refurbishment project, including deferring some work and bringing other elements forward.
“As a result, the original plan to only work on one bridge at a time has had to be dropped, although the current significant reduction in traffic means we believe any disruption should continue to be kept to a minimum.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and hope people will understand that the revisions to the refurbishment programme are being undertaken with the safety of the public and our workers in mind.”
If you have any questions about the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project, please contact Helen McConnell, Public Liaison Officer for FM Conway, by emailing helen.mcconnell@fmconway.co.uk or calling 07917 518529.
The Diversion
Road users travelling from Rochester along Corporation Street can currently turn left onto the Esplanade.
Road users travelling from Strood will be asked to cross the New Bridge and continue along Corporation Street, turning right onto Victoria Street. They then follow the road onto East Row, then Maidstone Road/B2097. Turn right onto Priestfields, then right onto Shorts Way, which becomes the Esplanade.
To leave Rochester Esplanade road users are asked to reverse the route.
Access will be maintained for residents of Castle Hill.
In Strood, access to Canal Road continues to be by diversion, as outlined here.
Road access to Rochester Esplanade has now been closed.