Repair and strengthening works on Nine Arches Bridge in Thrapston over the River Nene on Bridge Street/Kettering Road are set to take place between February and July 2021, lasting around five months.

Specialist bridge restoration contractors working on behalf of Northamptonshire Highways will carry out structural repairs and arch strengthening to all nine arches. Once the strengthening scheme has been completed, the road over the bridge will be resurfaced.

The first stage of the works will take place under the main navigation arch. This will require a six-week road closure while this arch is in a temporary state. The navigation channel beneath the bridge will also be temporarily closed to allow the specialist structures team to complete their work safely. The work float (pontoon) will be removed at the end of the day and moored overnight at the adjacent mooring.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the river using the separate footbridge, as works will not affect this. Cyclists will be asked to dismount.

Nine Arches Bridge is a historic structure and is frequently inspected. Recent inspections have shown a weakness in the arches meaning works are required to enable the structure to carry all vehicles.
Northamptonshire Highways have been monitoring the bridge and working with the Environment Agency, and East Northants Council to agree a programme of works and secure the required permits and consents to work on this historic structure.

Starting works now means that we mitigate disruption to both users of the road and the navigation channel. Options have been considered including a weight restriction to allow Bridge Street/Kettering Road to remain open. However, a decision has been made that the most efficient and safest way to carry out the first stage of works is with a road closure. This means the main works to repair the historic structure can be completed quickly with the bridge reopening to traffic.
Following the six-week road closure and works to the main navigation arch of the bridge, Northamptonshire Highways will continue their work on the other arches to repair and strengthen. This work will take place under the bridge and not affect the road.

During the closure, a diversion has been agreed with Highways England to use the A14 and traffic should access Thrapston at Junction 13.

Cllr Jason Smithers, Portfolio Holder for Highways at Northamptonshire County Council, said: “We are aware that Thrapston Bridge is a key access point to the town and the range of businesses and services on offer. It is also a valuable heritage asset, which we are seeking to preserve. The last time work was carried out on the bridge we were repairing the parapets but essential works are now required underneath the bridge arches to ensure it is strong enough to carry vehicles. These strengthening works will ensure the bridge can continue to be used by traffic accessing the town centre. In order to carry out the works, it is necessary to close the road to traffic for six weeks.
We have sought to keep this closure as short as possible to reduce inconvenience to residents and visitors to Thrapston. We are using specialist contractors and working closely with heritage officers at East Northants District Council to ensure we protect and preserve the historic importance of this beautiful medieval bridge. The majority of the work will be carried out from below the bridge, therefore we are working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure we complete the work before the boating season officially starts on 1st April.”

Currently, adjacent land is saturated and river levels are high and works could be affected by bad weather. Severe weather or flood alerts would mean that the pontoons being used to carry out these essential repairs would need to be removed and would stop works. This would be necessary to ensure nothing affects the flow of the water, which would increase the risk of flooding. Depending on the stage of works, this would mean the road might remain closed for a longer period.

·       The site compound will be located on land adjacent to Kettering Road, opposite Chapel Hill and set up will start on Monday 1 February.
·        Bridge Street over the river will be closed at Nine Arches Way from the east and Kettering Road over the bridge from the west will be closed at Chapel Hill  Monday 15 February – Friday 26 March. Access to properties will be maintained during the closure.
At the end of the repairs, the road will be closed for short duration to allow for resurfacing. Detail will be provided nearer the time.

Access to Thrapston
·        Drivers will need to use A14 Junction 13 from both east and west directions to access the town
·        There will be no vehicle access into Thrapston from the west through Islip, junction 12 of the A14 or from the A6116 from Corby.
·         From Corby and the A6116 go straight across the roundabout where you would normally turn left into Islip and Thrapston. Join the A14 at Junction 12 and then take the exit at Junction 13.
·        Access from the A605 from Peterborough, Oundle and the A1 will be as normal, as will the route using the A45 from Rushden, Irthlingborough, Raunds, Wellingborough, Earls Barton and Northampton.

You can keep up to date with all roadworks and closures in your area by visiting one.network or by following us on Twitter @nnhighways

We are also creating a Thrapston Nine Arches mailing list. To register for e- bulletin updates please email comms@kierwsp.co.uk