M27 bridge works to continue

A scheme to upgrade two bridges on the M27 near Park Gate in Hampshire has been extended until January 2014.

The work, which started in February 2013, is to replace important components on the bridges at junction 9.

As work has progressed the construction team have discovered that the original plans of the piers do not match the situation on the ground, meaning extra work is required to complete the scheme. Also, detailed assessments of the beams has shown that more extensive repairs than originally anticipated are required.

Steve Cobb, Highways Agency structures manager, said: “Work to replace the bridge piers is progressing; however we have found a number of additional tasks are required. We have carefully considered how best to complete this extra work, and concluded that the most efficient way for all is to carry on, rather than completing this phase and then returning at a later date. As a result, it is currently anticipated that construction work will now be completed by the end of January 2014 instead of September 2013."