Saffron Walden High Street, Slade Bridge

About the scheme

Preparations are being made for works to take place on Slade Bridge which runs beneath the High Street in Saffron Walden. The purpose of the work is to replace the current bridge deck which is in a weakened condition.

Historical research and site assessment suggest that the earliest phase of culvert (arches) is of at least eighteenth century derivation. The bridge was partially replaced in 1964 by the current structure beneath the carriageway and a portion of the footways, and comprises of pre-stressed T-beams with an infilled concrete slab supported by mass concrete abutments. This is the part of the structure work will take place on.

The works

Before main works can take place site surveys and trial hole investigations are required to locate and record utility services that run through or near the bridge.

In order for investigations to take place, weekend closures are anticipated between King Street and George Street. During closure periods, appropriate diversions will be in place as no vehicles will be permitted to pass through the works.

Investigations will be carried out by accessing the culvert from the footway manhole and excavating the carriageway/footway. The findings from these investigations will support engineers planning the future replacement of the current bridge deck which is in a weakened condition.

The results of these investigations will support plans for the main works which are planned to take place in the 2021/22 financial year (provisionally summer 2021).

What is involved and how it may affect you

An ecological survey of the structure is planned to take place during the day time on Friday 10 January 2020, with entry being made via an access point in the footway. This work will not encroach on the carriageway although some barriers will be required around the work area.  Pedestrians are advised to use appropriate crossing points on the High Street while these works take place.

Weekend closures are anticipated on High Street between King Street and George Street on the following dates while the investigations are carried out:

• High Street closed Saturday Saturday 11 January 2020 and Sunday 12 January 2020
• High Street closed Saturday 18 January 2020 and Sunday 19 January 2020 (contingency date) 

Advanced warning notices will be in place prior to any works commencing and appropriate diversion routes will be implemented during road closures.

Whilst no vehicles will be permitted to pass through during road closures, pedestrian access will be maintained during these periods. 

Further information

Dates may be subject to change if affected by poor weather conditions or if unexpected issues arise. We aim to keep residents and businesses updated via this webpage and site signage or the @essexhighways twitter feed. For details about other roadworks in the area please visit: One.Network (formerly roadworks.org).