REPAIRS are continuing to High Orchard Bridge, which carries St Ann Way over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal in Gloucester.
The Canal & River Trust is repairing cracks in the structural welds at the base of the lift-bridge’s ‘masts’ which, until repaired, are preventing the bridge from being opened for boats over five metres in height.
This latest stage of the repair will take place from Tuesday May 7 and will require a temporary road closure as contractors work to fix the structural welds. Once completed, a series of test lifts will be conducted to confirm that the bridge is once again fully operational.
To make sure the repairs can be completed, a road closure will be implemented with diversions in place for road traffic from 6am on Tuesday May 7 to 6am Tuesday May 14. The bridge will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists with the canal navigation and towpath also staying open.
In addition, the planned resurfacing works on Westgate Street are being rescheduled by Gloucestershire County Council to assist with the flow of traffic through the city.
Rob Eaton from Canal & River Trust explained: “Our focus is on repairing the bridge and getting it fully operational as soon as possible.
“The repair will unfortunately require a temporary road closure but we expect the bridge to be fully operational ahead of the Tall Ships Festival taking place in Gloucester later this month. We are sorry for the inconvenience and everyone in the team is working hard to complete the repairs urgently.”
While repairs to the bridge are completed, vessels below the height of five metres can continue to navigate the canal. Boaters are advised to check Notices and stoppages | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) for the latest update.
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