Key bridge closes for work on gas mains

Jul 18 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER’S historic Old Dee Bridge will be closed to vehicles next month to allow gas mains serving the city to be renewed.

The council says the work is “required urgently to meet Health and Safety Executive demands”.

It follows the closure of another key route into the city – Hoole Bridge – which had been closed to traffic from February to the end of April earlier this year while strengthening works were carried out.

ŠStarting on August 11, one-third of a mile of metallic mains will be renewed from Mill Street, Handbridge, over the Old Dee Bridge alongŠLower Bridge Street to its junction withŠPepper Street and Bridge Street.

ŠEveleigh Moore Dutton, Cheshire’s executive member for highways and transportation said:Š “Such projects within a city plan laid down by the Romans are always going to cause some disruption toŠ21st- century traffic.

Š“But, as with the closure of Hoole Bridge, we will be working together to minimise disruption, both for our residents and visitors.”

One of the city’s best- known landmarks, the 14th-century scheduled ancient monument will close until September 1 but remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.

ŠOver 10,000 residents and businesses in the affected areas will hear about the scheme, traffic diversions and changes to bus routes via a leaflet drop.

ŠStatic and variable message signs on affected routes from July 28 will warn motorists of next month’s work and consequent diversions.

And a web page at www.cheshire.gov.uk/roadworks will give regular updates.

Built around 1387, the Old Dee Bridge replaced wooden structures built by the Romans.

Its structure has remainedŠ largely unchanged since the time of Richard II, who actually crossed it as a prisoner on his way to the Tower of London.

In 1999, core samples taken from its sandstone arch barrels, revealed it met the requirements of the European 40- tonne weight limit.

ŠCllr Stuart Parker, Chester City Council’s executive member for development, said: “Managing the fine balance between protecting the economic interests of a historic city and maintaining essential services is always going to be difficult.”

liammurphy