by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

A six-week project to refurbish a motorway bridge on the M2 has begun.

The Stockbury Viaduct - part of the M2 Junction 5 interchange, where the motorway meets the A249 – is being completely resurfaced, and its waterproofing renewed to protect vital bridge components from corrosion.

Three expansion joints, which protect the structure of the bridge by allowing it to expand and contract with seasonal variations in temperature, will also be replaced as part of the scheme.

Work will be carried out 24 hours a day.

Two lanes will be kept open in both directions at all busy times, with one of them dedicated for drivers joining or leaving the M2 at Junction 5.

A contraflow system is also in place with a reduced 40mph speed limit.

Additional restrictions, such as slip road closures, will be carried out overnight when traffic flows are lowest and with fully signed diversion routes in place.

Highways Agency structure manager Bala Vishnubala said: “All structures require maintenance from time to time, and this important work will help keep the Stockbury Viaduct operating safely and reliably for the 60,000 drivers who depend on it every day.

“We have planned the work very carefully to keep disruption to an absolute minimum, but it would be a good idea for drivers using this section of the M2 to allow some extra time for their journeys while work is underway, especially if they will be travelling at busy times.”

The project is expected to be complete at the end of October.