Start date for year-long A38 bridge works

Maintenance work on a bridge over the A38 in South Derbyshire is set to begin next month, with a number of traffic restrictions to last more than a year.

National Highways said it plans to carry out work on the A5132 Carriers Road over the A38 in Willington, which includes concrete repairs, re-waterproofing, replacement of bridge joints, resurfacing and safety barrier renewal.

Highways bosses said it forms a larger programme of work, adding that many of the bridges were built more than 50 years ago and now need renewing or replacing.

National Highways project manager, Matthew Palmer, said the work is "essential to repair, protect and future-proof" the bridge.

From 21 September until August 2027, the A38 will be reduced to two narrow lanes in each direction, with a 40mph speed limit between A5121 Claymills Road and Toyota Island while bridge abutment repairs are carried out.

There will also be overnight weekday closures of sections of the A38 between 20:00 and 06:00 for bridge propping and excavation work, with dates to be published and updated online.

On the A5132 Carriers Road bridge, temporary traffic lights will be in place for three weeks from 21 September, before the bridge is fully closed from 9 November until spring 2027.

Signed diversion routes will be provided for motorists, although access for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will be maintained.

From autumn 2027, a single lane closure in both directions on the A38 will be introduced to allow repairs to the bridge's central pier.

Ahead of work starting, two public information events will be held at Repton Village Hall.

These will be held on Tuesday 8 September between 09:30 BST until 12:30 and on Thursday 10 September between 16:00 and 20:00.

Palmer added: "We understand the concerns that have previously been raised about the impact this scheme will have. We will keep the route open as much as possible to minimise disruption."

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