On July 2nd TFL came to our meeting at The Campion School and gave a presentation and update on the work going on to replace the railway bridge that the A127 runs over at Ardleigh Green .
For those who couldn’t attend the meeting here is a brief synopsis of the presentation. If you have access to PowerPoint click on the link TFL Presentation July 2015 , otherwise here are the main points:- Why are TFL replacing the bridge?
- The present structure has come to the end of its serviceable life
- The train clearance distances not currently adequate
- Concrete corrosion – at risk of falling onto railway
- Corrosion of metalwork in the bridge
- Cracking of brickwork
- Highway strength not sufficient
- Carriageway width restrictions poses risk to road users
The Work will be split into two phases:
- Advance works
- Advance works in progress
- New service bridge to carry utilities
- Due to be completed by mid 2016
- Main works
- Demolition and replacement of the main bridge
- Between mid-2016 and end 2017
- Completed by 2017
There will be some Lane closures on the A127
- Short term lane closures e.g. autumn 2015 one lane in each direction will be closed 24/7 for six weeks
- Overnight closure around Christmas 2015/2016
- During bridge replacement works (mid 2016 – end 2017) only two lanes will be operational (one in each direction)
There will also be some expected traffic congestion
- Along A12 Colchester Rd and M25 (between Junctions 28 and 29)
- Increase of vehicles approaching Gallows Corner
- Small increase in traffic around Romford (A1251 Mercury Gardens increase of around 20 vehicles per hour)
- Slewins Lane & Squirrels Heath – increase of around 10-20 vehicles per hour
TfL will undertake the following action to try to alleviate the congestion by:
- Adjusting signals at pinch points
- Giving advance notices of alternative routes
- By monitoring the situation & take real time action
The Bryant Avenue exit onto the A127
There will be two periods of closure:
- Early 2016 for about four weeks
- Summer 2016 for about nine months
The reasons for closing Bryant Ave exit are as follows:
- To provide sufficient space for the working area near the bridge.
- A protective barrier needs to be in place on the bridge to stop vehicles driving onto the railway and into the works site.
- The new bridge will be higher than the current bridge. Raising the road surface requires steps to be in place at times during the works, which are unsuitable for traffic.
- Utilities (water, gas etc.) need to be diverted below and near the Bryant Avenue traffic island (requiring a shorter closure of Bryant Avenue in early 2016).
To try to keep the local community informed TFL will undertake to
- Work with LB Havering
- Arrange Letter drops
- Arrange drop in information sessions
- Use social media
- Press briefings
- For more detailed information visit TFL Website at www.tfl.gov.uk/ardleigh-green
Published on: 13 July 2015