Small Heath bridge closure
Motorists and residents advised of Small Heath bridge closure
Local residents, businesses and road users are being advised that the Small Heath Bridge, which connects Jenkins Street and Kendal Road over the A45 Small Heath Highway, is going to be closed – other than to pedestrians and cyclists - for up to 8 months while essential maintenance is carried out.
The 110-year-old structure, which has not been subject to any major works since bridge strengthening was carried out over 25 years ago, will be completely close to vehicles from Monday 4th July so works can take place to bring it in line with modern national safety standards.
The maintenance works will include the replacement of existing wrought iron safety fencing, increasing protection in the event of vehicle collisions, as well as the replacement of the bridge joints and upgrades to the street lighting. Further works will be carried out in collaboration with Network Rail and will involve general maintenance to the underside of the section of the bridge which carries the road over the rail tracks.
A signed diversion will be in place via Montgomery Street, Anderton Road, Golden Hillock Road, Cooksey Road, Keats Avenue and Bolton Road, however motorists are advised to plan ahead and use the alternative routes which will be advised on signage approaching the area. Access to cyclists and pedestrians will be maintained throughout the bridge closure.
The complex nature of the work requires the construction of specialist scaffolding to allow safe working and careful coordination with scheduled rail closures.
Amey, who are delivering the works in partnership with Birmingham City Council, is liaising with residents, business representatives and other local organisations in the area to help ensure all possible measures are put in place to minimise disruption while the essential works are carried out.
Councillor Stewart Stacey, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport and roads, said: “I understand this will have an unavoidable impact on traffic in the area but I would urge people to consider alternative routes while this vital work takes place, including switching to public transport where possible or using a bike.”
Eddie Fellows, Highway Network Director at Amey, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works to maintain the bridge to latest safety standards may cause. We understand that having the route closed for a number of months will inevitably cause disruption but we are working with local community in the area to understand the potential impact and do all we can to help people and businesses prepare.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about the works and how they impact the local area can attend a drop-in public information event at Small Heath Library on Muntz Street from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 23rd June.
The work is an important part of the Birmingham Highways Maintenance and Management Service, delivered in partnership by Amey and Birmingham City Council, which will see the roads across the city brought up to an agreed standard, and then maintained, over the course of the 25-year contract. The service began in 2010.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors
• In 2010, Amey won the Birmingham Highways Maintenance and Management Service contract to manage and maintain the city’s roads over the next 25 years. The contract will see a huge investment into the city’s road network and Amey is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council to deliver the contract. The works include refurbishment and improvement of the city’s roads, footways, bridges, tunnels, street lighting and traffic control systems.
• Amey is a leading UK public and regulated services provider with over 21,000 employees.
• Amey operates over 320 contracts, providing an unrivalled range of services including utilities, highways, waste management, rail, justice solutions, social housing and facilities management. Services are underpinned by our leading consulting and asset management capabilities, which allow us to offer stand-alone or integrated service solutions to a range of clients.
For more information contact Lara Thorns on 07843368954, email [email protected]
