Road reopens after extensive viaduct repairs

A major road has reopened after extensive repair work was carried out to a viaduct.

Built in the 1930s, the 0.26-mile (420m) Irthlingborough viaduct carries the A6 over the River Nene, linking the towns of Irthlingborough and Rushden.

North Northamptonshire Council said a series of closures had to be introduced after tests in May "deemed the bridge to be in a poorer condition than initially expected".

Work to "ensure the long-term integrity of the structure" included waterproofing and replacing some expansion joints, and was completed last weekend.

Waterproofing works were carried out across two of the nine decks and new traffic signals were installed on Station Road, which the Reform UK-led council said would "improve the flow of travelling vehicles along the A6 and provide safer access to the surrounding businesses".

Chris McGiffen, the council's executive member for highways, said: "It is great that works have now been completed and, alongside the much-needed bridge works, we have been able to undertake other improvements in the area which I hope you will see the benefits of."

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Allan Rigby, general manager at construction company Kier Infrastructure, said: "Working above the River Nene and surrounding floodplains, which is a known winter bird migration area, the main challenge for us was maintaining the viaduct to ensure it remains fit for purpose while minimising the disruption to the surrounding wildlife.

"By bringing the viaduct in line with modern-day engineering standards, we have futureproofed vital infrastructure to remain in keeping with its surroundings and help our communities stay connected."

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