Work to start on Cleveland bridge
Work to replace the bridge joints on Leven Valley Viaduct on the A19 in Stockton on Tees, Cleveland, will start tonight (Monday 5 September).
Contractors for Highways England will be carrying out some preparatory work which will require the A19 to be closed between the A174 Parkway junction and the A67 Crathorne junction overnight between 8pm and 6am. The southbound carriageway will be closed on Monday 5 and the northbound carriageway on Tuesday 6 September.
The A19 northbound carriageway will then be closed again overnight between 8pm and 6am on Saturday 10 September for a contraflow system to be installed, which will allow drivers to travel in both directions overnight on the northbound carriageway.
Highways England project manager Phil Leng said:
It is essential that we carry out this work on the bridge joints at Leven Valley Viaduct. When complete, this work will prolong the life of the bridge and avoid the need for future weight or traffic restrictions on the A19.
We are carrying out the work overnight when traffic levels are at their lowest to keep disruption for drivers to a minimum.
The main construction work will start on replacing the bridge joints on the southbound carriageway on Monday 12 September, with traffic using the contraflow system on the northbound carriageway overnight between 8pm and 6am until the end of September. A reduced speed limit of 50mph will also be in place through the contraflow.
Work will start on the northbound bridge joints on Monday 3 October between 8pm and 6am, with a reduced speed limit of 50mph and an overnight contraflow system on the southbound carriageway.
During the day, between 6am and 8pm, traffic approaching Leven Viaduct in both directions will be able to use both carriageways. A 50mph speed limit will remain in place, reduced to 40mph over the bridge itself
Clearly signed diversions will be in place when there are full overnight closures, and the project is due to be completed by the end of October.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.