Work will get under way early in the New Year to strengthen Blackboards Bridge on the Douglas Road.
Staff from the Department of Infrastructure will be on site for three weeks from Tuesday 6 January 2015 to carry out the improvements. Traffic lights will be in operation 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday, until the work is complete.
Blackboards Bridge comprises two structures. The masonry arch is suitable for the traffic loading, but the concrete slab is understrength. The scheme will see the installation of 11 steel beams beneath the bridge to increase the capacity of the concrete slab.
John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said:
‘This strengthening work is required to ensure the bridge is suitable for the size and volume of vehicles using the route. Our staff will be working beneath the bridge, so people will not see a great deal of activity at road level other than the beams and materials being lifted into place.’
He added:
‘People using this section of road should allow a little more time for their journeys during the works. I would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation.’
