A MAJOR programme of bridge works and highway improvements is set to begin on Ocean Road next month, thanks to funding from the UK Government.
Leicester City Council will start work on the Ocean Road bridge on Tuesday 1 September, with the whole scheme expected to take around 16 weeks to complete.
The bridge over the Bushby Brook requires extensive maintenance to repair and replace sections that are now in poor condition. The works will include the demolition and replacement of the reinforced concrete bridge deck, repairs to brickwork and concrete, a new waterproofing system, replacement ironwork, and the resurfacing of the highway.
To minimise future disruption, the council will also carry out resurfacing works on Ocean Road between its junction with Thurncourt Road and beyond the bridge to the next side road – a cul-de-sac that’s part of Ocean Road. Damaged concrete road slabs will be removed and replaced with a new tarmac surface.
The works will be carried out in two phases, with the bridge refurbishment taking around 14 weeks to complete and with a further two weeks required for the resurfacing programme.
To allow the work to be carried out safely, the affected section of Ocean Road will be closed to traffic in both directions. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted, and advance warning signs will be installed before work begins.
Pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible, although some temporary restrictions may be necessary, particularly during material deliveries and waste removal operations.
Temporary parking and loading restrictions may also be introduced on nearby roads and parking bays to help manage traffic and facilitate the works.
While work is under way, traffic will be diverted via Ocean Road - Thurncourt Road - Dakyn Road - Dudley Avenue - Ocean Road (and vice versa).
An alternative diversion will be Ocean Road - Thurncourt Road - Dakyn Road -Dudley Avenue - Gervas Road - Ocean Road (and vice versa).
Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time while the improvements are carried out.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle said: “We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while work is under way.
“Thanks to a Local Transport Grant, we can carry out these essential maintenance works and ensure that the Ocean Road bridge is fit for purpose for many years to come.”
The £366,000 Ocean Road bridge refurbishment and highway maintenance scheme is funded by the UK Government.