City road closed for 10 weeks for bridge repairs

Milton Keynes City Council said the work "will help to extend the life of the bridge and keep it in good condition for years to come"

A busy road bridge in a city will be closed for 10 weeks to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

The H9 Groveway bridge in Milton Keynes carries thousands of vehicles every month over the River Ouzel and its floodplains.

Milton Keynes City Council said the stretch between Simpson and Walton will be fully closed to traffic from Monday.

Councillor Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transportation, said that by doing the work now, "we can help to keep the bridge in good condition for many years to come" and ensure it was structurally safe.

Pedestrian and cyclist access will not be affected by the work, and the footpaths above and beneath the bridge will remain open

During the work, repairs will be made to concrete sections at both ends of the bridge.

Corrosion protection systems will also be installed, and the bridge's drainage and waterproofing will be improved.

The road will be fully closed to traffic, and a diversion route will be clearly signed.

Wilson-Marklew said: "We look after more than 700 bridges and other structures on our city's highways, and they are a vital part of our infrastructure.

"Each year, we carry out hundreds of inspections and repairs to these structures, most of which are unseen as they take place underneath the main roads."