TRAFFIC UPDATES

IMAGES have been released which show a huge bridge over the A45 in Coventry taking shape.

The erection of a huge bridge over the A45 in Coventry finally took place over the course of a weekend at the end of March - after the major operation was twice postponed.

The 75-metre bridge was originally set to be installed across a section of the A45 at the junction with the A46 to the north of Coventry Airport on Saturday March 7 and Sunday March 8.

The installation was put back by a week to March 14 and 15 because of “issues” with the mechanical equipment being used.

But a further technical problem resulted in it being cancelled yet again.

Following extensive testing of the lifting equipment and in line with the prevailing government coronavirus advice the installation finally took place on March 28 and 29.

During the installation the A45 was closed in both directions, between the Stivichall Interchange and Tollbar End Island - from Friday evening until Monday morning.

Contractors Buckingham Group said the work was delivered in adherence with Government and Department

of Health guidelines on social distancing.

The bridge is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Gateway strategy an initiative to stimulate economic growth and help create thousands of jobs.

The new bridge was funded by SEGRO, a company which owns and develops warehouse and logistics space.

It will provide an additional access point for the existing Whitley Business Park and the forthcoming Whitley South and Gateway South employment areas.

The aim is to ease congestion on both the A45 and A46.

The installation was described as

“a major piece of engineering” in a remarkably short time frame.

The bridge deck weighed 1,300 tonnes and was constructed on-site where it sat on jacks before being moved into place.

The 120-tonne 36-metre high tower was made up of three pieces which were welded on-site.

When installed it was angled at 15 degrees to the vertical.

Abutments were constructed initially either side of A46.

The bridge is to carry a new three-lane carriageway over the A45.

It is 75m long and 17m wide with a combined footpath/cycleway.

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