A MAJOR Christchurch road will be partially blocked for six weeks to undergo bridge maintenance. 

Barrack Road Railway Bridge will be refurbished to ‘enhance the durability of the bridge and ensure its longevity for the benefit of all residents and commuters’.

The work will start from Monday, June 3. 

Tarmac and defective expansion joints will be replaced and a new waterproof membrane installed.

There will be a contraflow traffic management system implemented for public safety throughout the works.

A temporary crossover will also be installed, allowing work to be carried out on one side of the bridge at a time.

Traffic will still be able to use the bridge, but it will be reduced from a dual carriageway to a single lane in each direction.

The footpaths on the bridge will be closed in stages, but pedestrians will still be able to cross safely during construction via designated points.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “This essential maintenance work is key to improving the durability of the railway bridge to ensure its safety and functionality for years to come.

“As always, we will endeavour to complete these works as quickly as possible but understand the frustrations it may cause to those who use this route regularly, so please be patient with us and ensure you are leaving extra time for your journeys or seek an alternative route where possible.”