THE disused Kingston Loop Bridge over Station Road, Taunton, is being taken down next week - and we're keeping you informed every day of how the operation is going.
We'll be running regular daily updates with reports, photos and videos - so keep coming back to keep up to date with the latest news.
Send us your views, photos and comments to phil.hill@countygazette.co.uk
THE removal of the structure, a former aqueduct that later formed part of the railway, is set to cause disruption to traffic once work starts on Monday (May 23) and is due to last at least five days.
The scheme will see the closure of a section of Station Road from 5am on Monday until 1pm on Friday (May 27).
Tuesday, May 31, until Thursday, June 2, have also been booked in case the removal of the bridge overruns.
It will be replaced later on with a new bridge to link up the two ends of the multi-million pound Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR).
The road, linking Staplegrove Road at Chip Lane with Priory Avenue, is due to open later this year following months of delays.
Somerset County Council has announced the following arrangements, giving drivers, pedestrians and cyclists advanced warning to plan their journeys carefully.
+FOR VEHICLES: a signed diversion route will be in place via the Obridge Viaduct (flyover) - although drivers are free to seek their own alternatives.
+FOR PEDESTRIANS: access will be maintained during working hours (between 6.30am and 11.30pm) using steps and a ramp via Whitehall. Outside working hours, one of the pavements beneath the bridge will re-open for pedestrians.
+FOR PEDESTRIANS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY: construction firm Carillion will provide a shuttle bus.
+PARENTS WITH PRAMS & PUSHCHAIRS: help will be offered using the steps or they can choose to use the shuttle bus.
+CYCLISTS: they can use the diversion for vehicles or have assistance using the pedestrian route.
Specialist equipment is being used in the removal of the bridge to cut the plates out of the bottom of the bridge.
The cross and main beams will then be craned out.
The two historic steel edge beams will also be removed to be taken away and refurbished.
They will be returned to be used in the new bridge when the deck is contructed later in the year. The original abutments will also be retained.
A Somerset County Council spokesman said: "We're pleased this major scheme is progressing, but unfortunately we do have to close Station Road while our contractor demolishes the bridge.
"We understand this will be disruptive as it's a key road in a busy part of Taunton.
"We apologise for any inconvenice and would advise anyone travelling in this part of town by car, bike or on foot to be aware of the alternative arrangements, plan their journey carefully and allow extra time, particularly at peak times."
*ONCE the new bridge is in place and the NIDR completed, a multi-million pound development is expected to get underway on the derelict former cattle market site off Priory Bridge Road.
There are proposals for homes, offices, shops and leisure facilites, including a cinema, on Firepool.
Waitrose has been suggested as a possible occupier of the riverside site.
There would be a boulevard running from a revampe Taunton Station through the site, linking to the Coal Orchard, where there are proposals for further homes, shops, leisure and work premises.
*PEOPLE who live near Taunton Station with Monday waste collections are this week being urged to put all their boxes, bins or black sacks out promptly by 7am or the night before.
A dawn waste patrol on Monday, May 23, by Somerset Waste Partnership and its collections contractor Kier will dodge traffic disruption during work to remove the disused rail bridge in Station Road.
Several crews and trucks will go into the area from 7am to ensure it is completely cleared of rubbish and recycling before the bridge work makes vehicle access difficult.
Anyone unable to get their waste out on time is being advised to ensure it is next presented from 7am on Tuesday, May 31, one day later than usual because of the Bank Holiday that Monday.
Alternatively, they can recycle everything except food waste at Taunton (Priorswood) Recycling Centre from 8am to 4pm seven days a week.
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