Work to replace worn out bridge expansion joints on A55 delayed due to disruption at port

Work to replace worn out bridge expansion joints on the A55 has been delayed due to disruption at an English port.

The essential maintenance at the Glan Conwy Viaduct near junction 19 was originally due to begin on Friday.

However, the joints for the work have been held up reaching the Port of Felixstowe and face further delay during unloading due to on-going disruption at the port.

They are now expected to make their way to the construction site in the next two weeks, with the work expected to begin on Friday January 29th.

Traffic Wales said contractors would be working 24/7 to complete the works on each side of the carriageway as quickly as possible.

The agency said: “The large expansion joints on the bridge have reached the end of their operational life and must be replaced urgently to ensure motorists’ safety and to avoid the need for an emergency closures.

“It is estimated that over 370,000,000 vehicles have passed over these bridge joints since the opening of the viaduct in 1991.

“Work to carry out essential renewal of worn out bridge expansion joints at Glan Conwy Viaduct with closure of the eastbound carriageway for one week followed by the closure of the westbound carriageway for one week will commence on the 29/01/2021.

“The traffic management for this project will benefit from the installation of the new traffic control system and re-modelling of junction 19 completed in December 2020.

“The traffic control system will be re-configured to balance flows and minimise disruption when traffic is diverted via the slip roads and the J19 roundabout.”

Significant queuing and is expected at peak times while the work is ongoing.

Road users are asked to avoid travelling via junction 19 for all but essential purposes during this period and to expect significant delays if they do travel.