A442 closure: Minimal disruption as new Telford footbridge gets ready for lift-off
It might not look like much now, but by the weekend this will make up part of one of Europe's largest cranes.
Parts of the A442 through Telford, known as the Eastern Primary, was shut off this morning while work began preparing for the construction of the crane.
And Telford & Wrekin Council said there was only minimal disruption, despite it being on of the town's busiest roads.
Officers from the council were out from 5am to help guide traffic, but they said there was only the usual rush hour build up.
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Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Delays were expected along Whitchurch Drive A5223 and this proved to be the case, however we would normally expect a build-up of traffic at this location during the morning rush hour.
“A broken down vehicle at Wombridge Interchange caused some minor delays and Priorslee to the M54 was slow, but moving.
"We are hugely grateful to the public and businesses – it seems people have pulled out all the stops in helping us with this project and we’re extremely grateful.”
The first part of the crane base arrived at 8am and will be constructed over the next three days. There is a live feed of the work at telford.gov.uk/footbridge
The size of the main span structure means the whole operation is highly sensitive to weather conditions. Although the lift is planned for Sunday morning, strong winds may result in it being postponed.
Contingencies have been made for a possible lift next Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and also for the following weekend.
