Road closures in force as bridge work resumes

Motorists warned they face delays as contractors return

Road closures come into place this week due to a major ongoing bridge refurbishment scheme. Work to Rochester Bridge means drivers will not be able to turn right from Rochester Esplanade into Corporation Street or turn right from the bridge into the Esplanade.

But you will be able to turn left onto the Esplanade from the Chatham direction. Diversions will be in place for about a month. Rochester Bridge Trust is overseeing the major project on the old, new and service bridges as well as revamping both the Rochester and Strood Esplanade access routes.

Work has only recently been resumed after Covid-19 forced contractors to down tools. Bridge clerk Sue Threader said: “A huge amount of work has been done on the social distancing rules with lead contractor FM Conway appointing a social distancing marshal, whose sole job is to oversee and enforce the rules for the safety of all.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and hope people will understand the reasons for last month’s pause for the works and for the diversions being implemented now.

“We will be deferring some of the work which cannot be done under social distancing rules and this should ensure the contract will be completed by the end of the year as planned.

“The deferred works are those which do not require major scaffolding or disruption to bridge users and will be undertaken in smaller packages in future years.” Preparation of the site began on May 11 with traffic management reinstated and the bridge brought down to one lane.

Works on other areas will be phased in, as social distancing allows.

A number of safety measures, including infra-red temperature monitoring on arrival and additional personal protective equipment, have been introduced. Rochester Bridge Trust was established in 1399.

Drivers have been warned to expect road closure and delays because of the work

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