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Massive bridge operation under way

The Kingston Bridge, which carries around 150,000 vehicles across the River Clyde in Glasgow every day, has been closed for 35 hours to correct structural faults and prolong its life.

Elaborate plans have been put in place to ensure disruption is minimised, with drivers urged to make themselves aware of alternative routes.

Glasgow City Council said an extensive set of diversions had been put in place.

Strathclyde Police have put additional officers on duty to cope with what has been viewed as the biggest traffic management strategy ever faced by the force.

Maps detailing diversions and alternative routes have been distributed to assist drivers to avoid the worst.

Superintendent Alistair Anderson from Strathclyde Police said: "More than 200 officers will be involved in this operation.

"They will be monitoring and managing the volume of traffic and they will turn off and turn on traffic lights when necessary."

He added: "I am asking the public to help both the police and all the other agencies involved in this massive operation by taking heed of traffic diversions and following advice over the period when the bridge will be closed.

'Other forms of transport'

"I must stress that if you can get to your destination by using other forms of transport then do so and leave your car at home.

"However, if travelling by car is necessary, please stick to the traffic diversions that have been publicised and bear in mind that delays are inevitable."

The £31.5m operation, which began at 1900 BST on Saturday and continues until 0600 BST on Monday, follows the discovery of major defects in the bridge in 1990.

The 163-year-old north pier wall near the bridge's support piers was found to be bulging.

The cost of repair work was estimated at the time at £14.5m but has since more than doubled.

Giant jacks have been put in place to lift the bridge deck by just over a centimetre, and next week move it 5cm southwards, where it will then be lowered once rebuilt supports are in place.

The operation began with a flurry of paperwork as senior officials signed documents pronouncing themselves satisfied with the arrangements.

Then deputy project manager Joe Bell, 40, from Bishopbriggs, in Glasgow, gave the go-ahead for the work.

Engineers were then due to begin the lifting sequence, moving the bridge in a series of 2mm or 3mm stages each lasting 20 minutes, with an hour's break for checks at each stage.

The operation will involve a similar closure next weekend, and a lengthy programme of work, before the deck is lowered down on to the new supports.

The down river Erskine Bridge, one of the diversion routes, will be toll-free during the closure periods.

Relevant Stories

Bridging the Kingston gap (11 Oct 99 | Scotland)

Internet Links

Diversion Routes
Glasgow City Council
Strathclyde Police

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