Evesham Abbey Bridge and Viaduct

The New Abbey Bridge and Viaduct – Have your Say on Traffic Plans

Worcestershire County Council has secured funding from the government to rebuild Evesham’s Abbey Bridge and Viaduct. This important project will ensure Evesham Town Centre keeps its vital link across the River Avon, boosting the town’s economy for years to come.

The existing bridge has been slowly deteriorating for more than 60 years, despite regular maintenance work. It is now in a state where it needs to be replaced.

We can now confirm that the link across the River Avon to Evesham town centre will be closed to traffic for only 10 weeks whilst the new Abbey Bridge and Viaduct is constructed: considerably less than the 12 months first anticipated.

Following a full tender process Hochtief Construction has been awarded the design and build contract. Its portfolio of work includes the replacement of the Paddington Bridge in London, and the current Stratford Bridge: an impressive two-lane highway bridge linking the Olympic Park to the Stratford City Development.

Work on the structure, which should take around a year to complete, is planned to begin in October, 2012. However, for the vast majority of this time, vehicles will still be able to cross into and out of the historic market town.

A 10-week full closure to traffic will be needed to complete the construction. That is expected to happen in June, July and August, 2013. The link will remain open throughout to pedestrians, along with cyclists.

Have your say on traffic management/diversion plans during the 10-week closure

Minimising disruption and keeping Evesham ‘Open for Business’ is a key priority for the scheme. Residents and traders are being offered the opportunity to have their say on the options available for traffic whilst the link is closed to vehicles in the summer of 2013.

Public exhibitions, where those visiting can view plans and ask questions about the scheme, are taking place at:

• Evesham Town Hall on Wednesday, February 22, between 4pm and 7pm and;
• The Riverside Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 3, between 11am and 3pm.

People are being asked for their views until April 20 on two possible options when it comes to traffic management during the 10-week closure. They are:

• (Option One) The use of Oat Street and temporary two-way traffic on Mill Street or:
• (Option Two) A temporary one-way system through Bridge Street.

Both options will be accompanied by extensive signing on all major routes into Evesham, stretching as far as Junction 7 of the M5, giving details of the temporary diversion routes to allow motorists to plan journeys.

Anyone not able to attend can pick up a consultation brochure, which includes a freepost form where views can be expressed and posted back to the County Council. Alternatively those wishing to express their view can do so by completing the simple online questionnaire that's available here. (LINK TO http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/researchweb/es/eveshambridge.htm)

Copies of the consultation brochure and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be downloaded under the 'In this Section' area on the right-hand side of this page.

Cllr John Smith OBE, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and County Councillor for Evesham North West, said: "The great news is the link will only be closed to vehicles for a maximum of ten weeks. Two-way traffic will operate for the vast majority of the 12-month construction period. Pedestrians, those with mobility scooters and cyclists’ will be able to cross throughout.

"Keeping the town ‘Open for Business’ and ensuring the people of Evesham are kept informed throughout are both vital to us.

"We now want to hear from you to let us know what you think is best when it comes to managing traffic during the temporary closure, due to happen in the summer of 2013.

"Thank-you for your continued support."

Cllr Bob Banks, County Councillor for Evesham South, said: "The support from people certainly helped with the success of the funding bid and I’m sure this will continue.

Anyone interested is invited to come along to the public information events being held on February 22 and March 3, 2012, to find out more and express their views."

	View a copy of the Evesham (Abbey) Bridge and Viaduct Major Scheme Bid  EAB Covering Letter  (194KB)  EAB BaFFB Form  (18.8MB)  Annex 1  (734KB)  Annex 2  (11.4MB)  Annex 3  (3.7MB)  Annex 4  (337KB)  Annex 5  (2.9MB)  Annex 6  (48.3MB)
	Frequently Asked Questions What is wrong with the existing structures? What is the preferred option? What other options have been considered? Why were the other options discounted? You can view more questions and answers on the Frequently Asked Questions page.