Tuckton Bridge to shut between 8pm and 12.30am for five nights for maintenance

REPAIR work to Tuckton Bridge in Christchurch will see it closed at night this week.

Starting tonight (Monday) the work will carry on between 8pm and 12.30am until 23rd March, with diversions in place.

Remedial work to the bridge includes clearing its drainage system, removing vegetation “encroaching” on its structure, removal of weeds and jet washing of the parapet.

There will also be an inspection with a specialist access vehicle of the external face of the bridge.

During the five days of work all traffic will be redirected via Belle Vue Road, Southbourne Grove, Seabourne Road, the A35 Christchurch Road, the A35 Barrack Road, and Stour Road.

Signs will be placed along the diversion route to guide motorists and pedestrians. Local bus operators have been notified.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “This essential maintenance work on Tuckton Bridge is important as we seek to ensure its continued longevity.

“We carry out regular assessments, cleaning and inspections of all our bridges across the conurbation at set periods with their functionality and safety paramount.

“As always with this type of maintenance, there is always likely to be a level of disruption, but we endeavour to minimise this for both motorists and pedestrians as best we can by scheduling this outside of the busiest periods.

“We ask everyone to bear with us as we seek to complete this work in full and on time. We also advise motorists to leave a bit more time for any planned journeys this week.”