The Old Bridge at Rochester is to undergo a series of overnight closures to enable the complete resurfacing of the roadway. Cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to cross.
The closures will take place from 8pm until 6am, Friday to Sunday, 16th, 17th and 18th October.
Bridge Clerk Sue Threader explained: “The nature of the works and lessons learned during the resurfacing of the New Bridge mean we have been able to adapt the approach to the work so we will only need to close the Old Bridge for three overnight periods, rather than a full weekend closure. This means the crossing will be fully open to two lanes of traffic during the day.
“We apologise for the disruption that will still be caused, however by only closing the bridge overnight we are able to significantly reduce the impact to traffic.”
The Old Bridge takes road traffic from Rochester to Strood. During the overnight closures road users will be diverted to the Medway Tunnel. Cyclists travelling in either direction will be able to use the National Cycle Route on the shared cycleway across the New Bridge. Pedestrians will still be able to cross the river using either the Old Bridge or New Bridge footways.
Sue Threader added: “As with the New Bridge, this closure is to enable lead contractor FM Conway to resurface the entire bridge in one go. This will allow for a continuous surface to be laid and should reduce the need for future maintenance.”
Upon completion of this resurfacing work, restrictions on traffic turning right out of Canal Road, Strood, will be stood down. The Trust is working with Medway Council with the aim of re-opening the left turn from Rochester Esplanade onto the Old Bridge before the end of October.
These works will be followed by a series of overnight closures of the Old Bridge footway, with pedestrians diverted across the New Bridge during the nights of 19th October until 9th November. This is to enable to the completion of the ornate lighting upgrade.
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.