Pedestrians and wheelchair users are advised there will be a temporary daytime diversion in place on Rochester’s Old Bridge, for three weeks from Monday, 28 July.
The diversion will be in place from 6am until 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, with footway users directed across the road to the shared space on the New Bridge during this time.
This is to enable an essential Principal Inspection to be carried out by contractor Up and Under.
Helen Rowe, Bridge Project Manager at the Rochester Bridge Trust, explained: “We wish to reassure the public that pedestrian access between Rochester and Strood will still be possible by crossing the road to the New Bridge and we appreciate people’s patience at this time.
“The temporary closure is required because Up and Under need to be able to safely get within touching distance of every part of the Old Bridge. This means using specialist roped access techniques and equipment which will be anchored on the footway during daytime hours.
“The equipment will be removed at the end of each shift, enabling the footway to reopen for the afternoon peak.
“While we carry out activity at night as much as possible, to ensure the safety of the workers this underdeck inspection must be carried out during the day. This is so the attending safety boat has good visibility of the water while inspectors are working under the bridge.”
This work is a continuation of last year’s inspection activity on the New Bridge, which was carried out during Medway Council’s closure of the shared space.
During the temporary closure, other essential maintenance activities will be carried out to reduce the need for future closures. These will include the lifting and cleaning of expansion joint covers.
Maintenance activity on Rochester Bridge is carried out at Net Zero Carbon, using a variety of carbon-friendly working practices. Electricity is provided from 100% renewable sources, and waste materials are re-used or recycled wherever it is possible to do so.