RESIDENTS and commuters who travel to and from Stockton Town Centre via Durham Road are reminded part of the route will close from Monday (23 May).
As part of the Lustrum Beck flood alleviation scheme Londonderry Bridge is being replaced so the road across it must close for the duration of the works. However, businesses in the area will remain open.
The existing structure will be replaced with a new, single span bridge so water can flow more freely through it.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Housing, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “These works are essential to help reduce the flood risk to more than 150 homes in the Lustrum Beck area so we don’t see a repeat of the devastating flood damage homes nearby have experienced in recent years.
“We appreciate that Durham Road is well used but it is impossible to replace the bridge without closing the road, however, we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout as it will still be possible to walk across the bridge during the next couple of weeks and after that a temporary footbridge will be in use.
Diversion routes for motorists will also be clearly signed and the following bus diversions will be in place:
- Arriva 15 – normal route Myrtle Road, Appleton Road then right turn on to Durham Road, A177, Norton Road, High Street
- Arriva 21a – normal route to Durham Road/A177 roundabout then A177, Norton Road, High Street
- Stagecoach 58 – normal route to Durham Road/A177 roundabout then A177, Norton Road, High Street
- Stagecoach 59 will be unaffected
It is expected that the new bridge will be ready to open in winter 2016/17.
The Lustrum Beck flood alleviation scheme is being carried out in partnership with the Environment Agency, which is due to start building a new flood wall along the beck at Bedford Street at the end of May.
The Environment Agency will also start raising and extending the existing flood embankment in Newtown in the next couple of months.
Information about the Londonderry Bridge replacement works and the associated bus diversions are available on the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council website www.stockton.gov.uk/londonderrybridge