Saxilby footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke will be removed from its location in the picturesque village, whilst it undergoes much-needed refurbishment.
West Lindsey District Council has notified residents and businesses in the village that the refurbishment works it has commissioned will take place Tuesday 25 July 2023.
The steel footbridge, which was gifted to the village by British Rail in 1986 will need to be lifted by crane and taken to a workshop for the work to be carried out. The refurbishment work includes: shot blasting; rust treatment; steel repairs and bolt replacement; and re-painting with a railway grade paint system which will ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance.
The bridge colour-will go from green to black which was a request of the Parish Council to compliment the wider plans Saxilby Parish Council has for the area.
West Lindsey District Cllr Jackie Brockway, who represents the Saxilby ward was thrilled with the plans for the refurbishment. She said:
“I am delighted that West Lindsey District Council has been able to fund this significant piece of work for Saxilby. The conservation area in which the bridge is sited is an ‘at risk’ area and it is hoped that these works along with other proposed works help remove the site from this list. The bridge’s value to local people living and visiting Saxilby and the Bridge Street conservation area are indisputable.
“By carrying out a high-quality repair to the bridge, it is expected that the works would prolong the life of the bridge and negate any future works for around 15 to 20 years. The work demonstrates the Council’s commitment to the area the proactive maintenance works links to ‘Our Place’ theme in the Corporate Plan, which is aims to create a safer, cleaner district in which to live, work and socialise.”
Remedial works were carried out on the bridge in 2011 but there has been a deterioration of the bridge, which promoted a survey to be carried out and the necessary work to be commissioned.
After close liaison with the Canal and River Trust, it was decided it would not be practicable to carry out the work on site over the water due to head height restrictions under the bridge, which would prevent boat traffic passing under.
The council has appointed, Universal Coatings UK, based in North Nottinghamshire to carry out the work. They have a wide range of experience in bridge refurbishment working for the rail network and for the canal and rivers trust and we are pleased to have secured their services on this project.
Managing Director, Philip Bingham commented on the excitement of working locally. He said:
“Even though we’ve been involved in some truly iconic projects in the past, nothing beats working locally and being able to say “we did that” everytime you pass.”
Also working in partnership with the Council is John Peberdy Partnership, Quantity Surveying; Emprocom, Health and Safety Consultants; and Peter Cole Consultants, Structural Engineers.
Residents, businesses and visitors to the area are advised there will be traffic diversions in place and access through this diversion will be for access only to properties on Bridge Street for residents and business for one day only.
Diversions
The Diversion Route from the East:
From the east end of Bridge Street. Diversion begins at the junction of the B1241 (Mill Lane) and Bridge Street/Queensway, directing traffic up Mill Road to Church Road (left) and down onto the High Street (left).
The Diversion Route from the West:
From the west end of Bridge Street. Diversion begins at the junction of High Street and Canal Court and diverts traffic up the High Street onto Church Street and then turns right to reach the B1241 (Mill Road).
There will also be a full road closure on a small section of Bridge Street between the Sun Inn Public House and 24 Bridge Street - incorporating properties on Navigation Court.
Following the refurbishment, the footbridge will be returned to the site later in the year and will be open to the public at the end of October 2023.