A6 bridge roadworks completed to bring viaduct 'in line with modern-day engineering standards'
Long-running works to the A6 bridge over the River Nene have been completed with the road now open as usual.
Essential maintenance works took place on the A6 Irthlingborough viaduct by teams from North Northamptonshire Council in partnership with Kier.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for highways and travel, said: “It is great that works have now been completed and alongside the much-needed bridge works we have been able to undertake other improvements in the area which I hope you will see the benefits of the works, alongside future works to attend to the other seven decks, will mean that the road remains fit-for-purpose for many years to come.
“We understand that these works have been disruptive and this is something we were conscious of when planning the works.
"They were scheduled during a typically quieter time on the roads to minimise the impact on residents and motorists.”
The A6 bridge which links Rushden to Irthlingboorugh has long been a hotspot for potholes and surface blemishes, which the council says have now been fixed, among other improvements such as upgrades to roadside signage, renewing existing road markings and bridge inspections.
The 420-metre long viaduct, which was built in the 1930s, was in ‘poorer condition than initially expected’ following an initial inspection in May.
As a result, a series of closures over the summer allowed for waterproofing works to be carried out across two of the nine decks, and for the expansion joints to be replaced to help preserve the long-term long-term integrity of the bridge.
Additional upgrades included the installation of new traffic signals in Station Road to help improve the flow of travelling vehicles along the A6, while also providing safer access to the surrounding businesses.
Allan Rigby, general manager at Kier Infrastructure, said: “We’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while we delivered these essential maintenance works in partnership with North Northamptonshire Council.
"Working above the River Nene and surrounding floodplains, which is a known winter bird migration area, the main challenge for us was maintaining the viaduct to ensure it remains fit for purpose while minimising the disruption to the surrounding wildlife.
"By bringing the viaduct in line with modern-day engineering standards, we have futureproofed vital infrastructure to remain in keeping with its surroundings and help our communities stay connected."