National Highways will begin a major programme of work on a landmark West Yorkshire viaduct next week.
The Wentbridge Viaduct is a Grade II listed concrete bridge that carries the A1 over the River Went. National Highways is carrying out waterproofing and resurfacing on the structure; road markings and studs will also be replaced.
National Highways described the viaduct (pictured), which opened to traffic in 1961, as an internationally renowned structure. It was chosen to feature in the Twentieth Century Engineering Exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art and is a heritage-listed building.
Following the completion of the viaduct work, engineers will start to replace the central pier at the nearby Wentedge Road Bridge along with the parapets, joints, and surfacing.
The carriageway will be temporarily re-aligned before the start of the main works to enable the replacement of the pier while keeping two open lanes of traffic in both directions.
To reduce disruption both structures are being improved using the same traffic management layout, which will include the installation of a contraflow, narrow lanes, and a temporary barrier to keep the workforce safe.
Switches between the phases will require a number of overnight full closures to alter the traffic management. A fully signed diversion will be in place.
National Highways project manager John Stebbing said: ‘These are essential works which will improve journeys on this important route and minimise disruption by reducing the number of works on this section of the A1 in the future.
‘We apologise in advance to drivers and residents close to the work for disruption, and we thank them in advance for their patience.’
The Wentbridge viaduct work is expected to complete in Autumn 2023, with the Wentedge Road Bridge scheme earmarked for completion in early 2024.
