A FOOTBRIDGE across the A5 in Atherstone, which is known lovingly by locals as the ‘Curly Wurly’ bridge is to be replaced as part of Highways England’s maintenance programme.
The existing bridge is reinforced concrete and runs across the dual carriageway section of the A5, between Well Spring Close and Witherley Road, close to the Queen Elizabeth Academy.
It will be replaced by a steel structure, avoiding the need for extensive maintenance to be carried out in the coming years, due to the lifespan of the concrete.
The new bridge will also meet current standards for the gradient of the access ramp and headroom clearance. It will also be wider, allowing it to be safely used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
The ‘Curly Wurly’ bridge over the A5 in Atherstone.
Highways England Project Manager Dave Lynch told Tamworth Informed:
“We are replacing the existing bridge with one that meets modern standards, ensuring it is safer and has a long lifespan so it can serve the community for many generations to come.
“The new bridge will be built close to the existing structure and when completed will provide a safe crossing point over the A5 for schoolchildren, pedestrians and cyclists alike.”
The news of the works has sparked outrage by some local in Atherstone who have begun to share their memories of the bridge which was originally constructed in around 1963/64.
One commenter of Facebook has said, “… Our curly wurly bridge is still structurally sound so no need to replace it. Who authorised this and can we appeal?” and another has commented, “Another nostalgic bit of my childhood soon-to-be gone! That bridge had so much character. How sad!”
Another local resident did some quick maths to work out how many times he crossed the bridge, he said, “190 schooldays per year x 5 years = 950 x twice a day (minimum) = 1900 + approx 100 cross country (x2) = 2100 plus bike rides/fishing trips/some lunchtime trips. Must have been over that bridge about 2500 times, mostly on my bike and never got injured! Happy memories!”
The works are being carried out by Highways England as the A5 is part of their Strategic Road Network (SRN). Due to the works being conduced on or adjacent to the SRN, no planning permission is required as this falls within their ‘permitted development’.
The work is being completed in two phases will begin later this month on 15 February and is due to continue until 17 March 2021.
At times, sections of the road will be closed but there will also be contraflows in place to allow for traffic to keep moving whilst working on a section of the bridge.
Highways England can not supply Tamworth Informed with any plans / images of he replacement bridge at this time.
The works
To reduce disruption, the work will be delivered in phases as follows;
Phase 1: These are advanced works which will include vegetation clearance, and the installation of the contraflow which will be used throughout Phase 2. During this time, traffic management will be in place between Holly Lane roundabout and Mancetter roundabout using a combination of lane closures and full carriageway closures.
Phase 2: These are the main works which will allow Highways England to build the foundations and supports for the new steel footbridge. Once these are in place, they’ll then be ready to install the new steel footbridge which spans across the A5.
Most of the work will be carried out under lane closures, this will ensure the A5 remains open for the majority of our works, resulting in less disruption. However, there will be times when they have to close the A5 to install the new footbridge.
The old pedestrian footbridge will be demolished at a time that is convenient to do so, resulting in minimal disruption to the local community.