Second eastbound lane opens to ease traffic on Ouse Bridge
DELAYS SINCE WORK BEGAN IN APRIL
THERE is good news for motorists after it was announced a second lane has been opened eastbound on the Ouse Bridge.
National Highways closed a section of the bridge after problems with the joints were discovered on the eastbound side of the structure.
Since April, two lanes on the eastbound carriageway have been closed, with a contra-flow system and reduced speed limit introduced.
This has led to long queues during the busiest periods, while the exit to Howden was blocked, which has led to frustration for motorists travelling along the M62.
Repair works on a damaged bridge joint had been described as ”highly complex” with further inspections carried out.
But now a second lane eastbound has reopened, which should ease traffic problems.
National Highways Yorkshire said: “We now have two eastbound lanes open on the Ouse Bridge using the westbound carriageway.
“A 30mph limit is in place. Temporary repairs eastbound including access to the slip road at junction 37 are ongoing.
“Work continues on a temporary repair to the eastbound carriageway which will then enable a further lane and the eastbound exit slip road at junction 37 to be reopened.
“There will be no access from the contraflow to J37 exit slip road.”
A process known as planing, where a machine with a rotating drum removes the road surface, has been carried out as a temporary fix.
This, and the use of mini excavators, has exposed the deck and enabled engineers to build a concrete base across all four lanes. Metal bridging plates have fitted to that base in lane one.