A HISTORIC canal bridge in Aylestone is to undergo £40,000 worth of repair works to tackle cracks and wear and tear in its brickwork.
The parapets of the Aylestone Old Mill Canal Bridge are showing signs of ageing and decay, with significant cracking, loose bricks and settling in the bridge’s foundations.
Work is being carried out to ensure the continued safety of canal users, towpath users and traffic using the bridge.
The bridge carries traffic from the main Aylestone Road across the water to the car park for Aylestone Meadows.
Leicester City Council will close the bridge to all traffic from August 10, in order for contractors to brace and stabilise the structure. Work is expected to last about four weeks.
The parapets will be repaired including replacing missing bricks and areas of poor mortar. Anchors will also be inserted through the bridge to stabilise the wing walls.
Scaffolding will be erected over the bridge and the Grand Union Canal below it to allow the repairs to be carried out safely.
The bridge will be closed to vehicles, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works.
The canal will also remain open for navigation but the towpath will be closed under the bridge. Towpath users will be able to use the adjacent path as a diversion route.
Leicester deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, is also a ward councillor for Aylestone.
He said: “This historic bridge has been a well-known feature over this stretch of the canal for many years, during which time it has carried a great many people and vehicles.
“The condition of the bridge is now such that these repair works are needed to ensure it can remain safe to use.”
Updates on all traffic and travel matters are available on Twitter from Area Traffic Control on @ATCLeicester
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