WORK on the final piece of the much-anticipated scheme to dual the Southern Link Road began this week with the installation of foundations for the new bridge.
To enable the construction of the new bridge next to Carrington Bridge and the new viaduct, foundations need to be built.
Before this work is started, temporary sheet piles, which are big interlocking panels of steel, need to be vertically inserted into the ground, near the current supporting walls of the bridge.
These sheet piles will keep the earth in place behind them and will ensure the stability of the existing structures whilst the ground in front is excavated in readiness for the new foundations to be laid.
Coun Ken Pollock, cabinet member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “It’s good to see yet another phase of work starting which will move us closer to completion of the dualling between the M5 and Powick roundabout.”
These piling works began on Monday and will take about three weeks, depending on the weather, and whilst they take place the site boundary fencing which currently runs along the south side of the carriageway will be covered.
A temporary reduced speed limit of 30mph will be also in place for the duration, as much of the work will be carried out close to the carriageway.
Works are also soon to start in readiness for improvements to the Powick roundabout and the new foot and cycle bridge over Hams Way.
Ahead of this, the car park next to the Powick roundabout will be closed for the remainder of the scheme.
Cyclists and pedestrians will be directed to follow the Malvern Road and pedestrians will also have the option of rejoining the Old Powick Road just south of the Old Bridge via a public right of way.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/slrlatestupdates for more.
