Friday 16 March 2018

Marlow Bridge night closures to avoid misuse during diversion


To prevent a similar occurrence to 2016 when an HGV damaged Marlow Bridge leading to extensive closure time, Buckinghamshire County Council has decided to take preventative measures and close Marlow Bridge overnight to protect it from unlawful use during the closure of the A404 near Marlow and Bisham by Highways England, which is taking place on alternate nights next week (commencing Monday 19th March).

Highways England will be carrying out night lining works on the A404 and A404 (M) on Monday (19th) Wednesday (21st) and Friday (23rd) next week. The works require a full closure of the north and south bound carriageways from 10pm to 6pm on each night.

While there will be separately signed diversions for cars and HGVs, BCC has decided the risk to abuse of the weight limit of the bridge by HGVs attempting a shortcut is too great. It is not a decision taken lightly, and we regret any inconvenience caused to residents.

Press release from Highways England below:
Please be advised that work to renew the road markings along the A404 and A404(M) north and southbound carriageways was unfortunately uncompleted but has now been rescheduled to take place overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on the following dates:

·       Monday 19 March for 2 nights – A404(M) northbound carriageway from M4 junction 8/9 to junction 9b
·       Wednesday 21 March for 2 nights – A404 southbound carriageway from the M40 (Handy Cross) to Burchetts Green
·       Friday 23 and Monday 26 March – A404(M) southbound from junction 9b to the M4 junction 8/9

During the closures, the following clearly signed diversions will be in place suitable for all types of vehicles:

·       A404 Southbound Closure – traffic will be diverted via Wycombe Road, A4155 to Henley-on-Thames and A4130 Henley Road. A secondary route will be in place from Marlow through Bisham and across the roundabout for those wishing to access the A308
·       A404(M) Northbound and Southbound Closures – traffic will be diverted via the A308 and Bath Road

It is not expected that these works will generate excessive noise, however we would like to apologise in advance for any disturbance caused during the works.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like you know about our work please contact us on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk