Oasis Bridge refurbishment, Springfield Road/Chelmer Road, Chelmsford
Works location and photos
View of Oasis Bridge from carriageway
View of works location
The scheme
Oasis Bridge is located in Chelmsford on the B1137 Springfield Road, close to the Eastern Approach/Cuton Hall Lane/Colchester Road roundabout (near the B&Q store), and carries the A138 Chelmer Road dual carriageway over Springfield Road.
Arrangements have been made to refurbish this four span bridge and install new vehicle safety barriers known as a vehicle restraint system (VRS) as well as inspection platforms to support future surveys.
The existing bridge bearings will also be replaced due to signs of deterioration, and a survey will take place to assess and repair defects to the concrete abutments. The bridge expansion joints will also be renewed and the bridge will be re-waterproofed before being resurfaced. These works are necessary to maintain the integrity of the structure.
The site is particularly challenging due to the limited working area and close proximity to utility services. We are also managing the work programme to minimise local traffic disruption as this is a traffic sensitive site in Chelmsford and will be co-ordinating the work with other schemes being planned for the area including Boreham Capacity Improvements (managed by Countryside Properties).
We currently estimate the bridge refurbishment works will take eight months to complete assuming no delays are incurred.
The works
Throughout the various phases of the works, traffic management will be adjusted to ensure the safety of the public and workforce is maintained. We anticipate this will include the following, however advance notice of key traffic management changes will be published in advance on site signage.
- Much of the work will be carried out with the support of single carriageway closures on B1137 Springfield Road to maintain traffic flows in both directions during the day and night.
- A temporary contra-flow will be used to maintain the traffic flow over the bridge on the A138 Chelmer Road during certain aspect of the works.
- Full night time road closures over the bridge will be required for jacking and de-jacking of the bridge, required during bearing replacement works.
- Additional night time full road closure of the A138 will be required for installation of contra flow traffic management and reinstatement of white lining and road studs. Appropriate diversions will be put in place during any planned road closures.
What is involved and how it may affect you
Works began on 19 April 2021 and are programmed to be take approximately eight months to complete, subject to weather permitting and no unexpected issues arising.
Some advance vegetation clearance works were carried out prior to the bird nesting season.
Our investigations have identified utility supplies that require permanent diversions by UKPN before our main works can begin in earnest. Where possible we are rescheduling other activities to minimise the impact this will have on the work programme.
Pedestrian routes will be maintained via a designated diversion route throughout the scheme.
Throughout the various work phases, traffic management will be adjusted to ensure the safety of the public and workforce is maintained. Drivers are advised to take extra care to observe signage in place and to allow extra travelling time.
Appropriate diversions will be in place during road closures. Please refer to the drawings in the document section below for further details relating to the affected areas.
Please note dates may be subject to change if the works are affected by poor weather or if unforeseen issues arise. The latest information will be reflected on site signage and updates on this webpage.
A12 National Highways works
We are aware National Highways will be carrying out repairs to the existing concrete road surface along the A12, between junction 15 Webb Farm interchange and junction 19, Boreham interchange.
Works are due to start on Monday 19 July 2021 and expected to be completed in December 2021. This will involve overnight road closures on weekday nights, with a signed diversion route in place.
The works Highways England are carrying out shouldn’t impact us directly however during overnight closures there could be an increase of traffic flow in the surrounding areas.
For further information about the works Highways England will be carrying out please visit their webpage.
Further information
Please note that the work programme may be subject to change if works are affected by poor weather or if unexpected issues arise.
We will share the latest information about the works and progress updates on this webpage as the scheme progresses.
For details about other roadworks in the area please visit: One.Network and the @essexhighways twitter feed.
Thank you in advance for your patience and co-operation while we undertake these necessary works.