New crack discovered in Cowdray Avenue bridge

A major safety issue has been found at the Cowdray Avenue bridge in Colchester, as it runs over the main railway line.

While engineers were strengthening the retaining wall to the south and west of the Ipswich Rd roundabout, a crack was discovered in the base of one of the ornamental columns, known as pilasters, which also form the outer layer of the bridge. These pilasters are instantly recognisable to all Colchester residents.

This pilaster is being removed to investigate how serious the crack may be in the bridge supporting structure.

The bridge must be checked and repaired now to ensure any problems do not get worse. This will involve complex engineering and is expected to require repairs continuing into the New Year, cooperating closely with Network Rail’s permissions to access the site.

The Cowdray Avenue Bridge repairs are expected to be completed in the winter of 2020/21. Essex Highways plans to take advantage of the current traffic restrictions at the Ipswich Road roundabout, which fortunately provide the space needed to get people and equipment safely to the bridge and to safely work.

Essex Highways have total access to the railway side of the structure and are working on the best method of dismantling the parapet and pilaster. Surveys are planned over the next few weeks that will inform us of the level of damage and we will provide updates as soon as we can.

Residents and businesses can check the Essex Highways website for the latest updates on the bridge and including any changes to traffic management arrangements:  www.essex.gov.uk/majorschemes (follow the link to the A133 Ipswich Road improvement scheme, Colchester’). 

You can also check the @Essexhighways twitter feed for daily updates and one.network for information about all works in the area.