Full closures planned on A6 bridge near Irthlingborough for deck repairs
Motorists have been warned to avoid a busy River Nene crossing that are due to start on Friday, May 8 with a full closure of the A6 Irthlingborough viaduct until Monday, May 11.
Repairs at the viaduct are scheduled to allow for re-waterproofing and expansion joint replacement of the reinforced concrete viaduct to help ‘preserve its integrity and ensure it is fully functional for many years to come’.
Overnight closures take place from 8pm until 6am on May 11 and 12, followed by a second phase of repairs from Friday, May 29 with a full closure until June 1, and overnight closure until June 2 at 6am.
Cllr Chris McGiffen, executive member for highways and travel at North Northamptonshire Council said: “We understand that full weekend road closures can be inconvenient, but these works are essential to protect the long‑term safety and integrity of the Irthlingborough Viaduct. By carrying out the majority of works over a weekend, we are significantly reducing disruption to weekday traffic, commuters, and local businesses.
“I would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while these important improvements are completed.”
North Northants Council says work will be required for all nine decks over the coming years, however deck seven is the priority due to repeated occurrences of damaging potholes to the viaduct, that was built in 1936.
During the closures, contractors will remove the existing surfacing and waterproofing from the bridge deck, carry out concrete repairs where required, and add a new spray‑applied waterproofing system. The process must take place in dry conditions, with integrity testing required before the carriageway surface and road markings can be reinstated.
The scheme has been funded by the Local Transport Grant, received from the government’s Department for Transport, and signed diversion routes will be in place during closures.
A contingency weekend from May 15 until May 18 is in place, should the works be affected by adverse weather, with phase two’s contingency coming from Friday, June 5 until Tuesday, June 9.