New Bishopton Road footbridge works - everything you need to know

Works to install a new footbridge at Bishopton Road West in Stockton will get under way on Monday, 18 July.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is installing the new steel footbridge to replace the temporary scaffold bridge which is currently in place.

The essential works mean that Bishopton Road West will be reduced to single lane traffic. Temporary traffic lights and a signed diversion route for pedestrians and cyclists will be in place for the duration of the works.

There will be a one day full road closure of Bishopton Road West in September.

Why is the work necessary?

The current bridge is a temporary structure so a new, permanent bridge needs to be installed to provide a vital and safe pedestrian crossing point.

The work involves removing the temporary scaffold bridge, preparation works then undertaken, before the new steel footbridge is lifted into position. The new bridge will lifted be into position on Sunday, 11 September and finishing works including the installation of handrails and footpath reinstatement will then be completed.

Alongside these works, further improvements are also being undertaken, including the installation of three new streetlights along Castle Eden Walkway. In addition the existing footpath and cycleway between Bishopton Road West and the eastbound bus stop opposite The Avenue will also be extended to increase pedestrian visibility and a new drop-kerb pedestrian crossing point will be installed between Victoria Road and The Avenue.

The footpath and cycleway path extension works will start in August and will be complete in September.

Which roads and footpaths will be closed?

In order to safely carry out the bridge works, the footpath on Bishopton Road West will be closed and a signed diversion route via the footpath and cycleway under the bridge and Castle Close will be in place.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the works on Bishopton Road West, with a one day full road closure of Bishopton Road West required to install the new bridge in September. This road closure will also require the footpath and cycleway under the bridge to be closed and a signed diversion route via Castle Close, Blue Bell Grove and Whitton Road will be in place.

Will the work cause disruption?

Councillor Mike Smith, the Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "The majority of the works are being carried out to the bridge structure though inevitably there may be some disruption when the road is reduced to single lane traffic.

"We've scheduled most of the work to coincide with the summer holidays when traffic is usually lighter, and signed diversions will be in place for the duration of the works. The one day, full road closure has been scheduled on a Sunday when traffic is usually lighter.

"These essential works will provide a permanent, safe footbridge so that people can use it for many more years. We thank everyone for their patience while the works are carried out."