Halesworth Business Connections

Environment and Transport Service Delivery

____________________________________________________

David Secret

Highway Network Improvement

Block 2 Floor 5

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP1 2BX

Enquiries to:

Tel: 01473 264992

Fax: 01473 216884

Email: david.secret@et.suffolkcc.gov.uk

Web: http://www.suffolk.gov.uk

Date: 20 November 2008

Dear Mr Mizon

A144 STRENGTHENING OF SPEXHALL RAIL BRIDGE

You will be aware that as part of the introduction of 40 Tonne lorries a few years ago, all bridges were structurally assessed to check their capacities for the increased loads. The assessment of Spexhall Bridge, which carries the A144 Haleswoth to Bungay road over the East Suffolk Line identified structural deficiencies. A weight restriction has been avoided in the short term by regular monitoring, on the basis that the bridge would be strengthened as soon as possible. Strengthening work is programmed for early 2009.

Spexhall Bridge is owned by Network Rail, but Suffolk County Council has responsibility for ensuring that it can safely carry 40 Tonne traffic. Therefore this is a joint project between Network Rail and Suffolk County Council, with the work being carried out by Network Rail’s contractor Kier Rail.

The work will involve disruption to both rail and road users:

The rail line will be closed for two weekends, 27 February/1 March and 7/8 March 2009, with an alternative bus service.

The A144 will be closed from Friday 27 February to Sunday 8 March 2009. The signed diversion route will be via Beccles and Bungay (see overleaf). Local temporary weight restrictions will be in place to restrict lorries to suitable roads. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation across the bridge before and after the closure, from 19 January to 27 March..

Notices will be in place at the bridge in advance of the start of the works and before the closure. Although changes to the above dates are not expected, any necessary changes will be displayed on the notices.

I would be grateful if you could advise your members of the road closure and ask that they follow the signed diversions. If you have a list of local members in the Halesworth / Bungay area I will be happy to send them copies of this letter.

Both Network Rail and Suffolk County Council understand the disruption that this work will cause, but we can assure you that the work has been planned to be completed in the shortest possible time

Yours sincerely

David Secret

Team Leader Bridge Design