Esh’s civil engineering division has secured a £2.3m contract to deliver major repair works to two bridges on behalf of South Tyneside Council.
Awarded via the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), the project will see the structural refurbishment of Albert Road and Kirkstone Avenue bridges – both approximately two miles apart in Jarrow – with construction work due to commence later this month.
Located on the A185 and spanning two Nexus metro lines and one Network Rail line, the Albert Road bridge was last refurbished in 1988. The 51-year-old structure will undergo strengthening works, concrete repairs, resurfacing, installation of new bridge joints, replacement parapets and full re-waterproofing of the bridge deck.
The Kirkstone Avenue footbridge, known locally as the ‘Banana Bridge’, spans the A19 south of the Lindisfarne roundabout. The footbridge will be lifted and removed from site to be fully refurbished, repaired and modified before being installed and re-opened in February 2021.
On site works at Kirkstone Avenue will include replacement of the parapets as well as raising the level of the bridge above the A19 to enable removal of the existing limited headroom restrictions on the A19 slip roads.
Steve Conn, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Tyneside Council to deliver important bridge refurbishment and structural works across two busy locations in Jarrow. The scheme will contribute to a safe and serviceable road network which is required to keep the local community connected and support the region’s economic growth.”
Cllr Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Housing and Transport, said: “Routine structural inspections identified the need for the bridges to undergo essential maintenance to ensure their long-term safety. The opportunity is also being taken to remove the height restrictions and thereby enhance safety for both bridge and road users. Having a safe and efficient highways and infrastructure network is vital to support sustainable growth and help keep our businesses and communities connected.”
We are pleased to be working with South Tyneside Council to deliver important bridge refurbishment and structural works across two busy locations in Jarrow. The scheme will contribute to a safe and serviceable road network which is required to keep the local community connected and support the region’s economic growth.”
