Work on Stafford rail bridge scheme costing almost £1m nearly complete

Improvements to the Queensville bridge on the A34 in Stafford has so so included deck strengthening, waterproofing, footway upgrades, resurfacing and refurbishment of the pedestrian stairways.

Upcoming completion works include drainage cleansing, fencing improvements and increasing the height of the bridge walls to meet current safety standards.

Staffordshire County Council has pumped £900,000 into the scheme. The next [phase will see fencing improvement works carried out from January 26 until February 4 between 9.30am and 3.30pm with two-way traffic lights in place on the bridge. On January 28-29 overnight drainage repairs will be carried out with the signals in place between 8pm and 6am.

To allow for the bridge wall works to take place safely, overnight rail closures will be needed on Saturday January 24, Saturday February 7, Saturday February 21, Saturday March 7 and Saturday March 21 when signals will be in place between 9pm and 8.30am.

The bridge will remain open to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists at all times.

Patrick Allen, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways, said "These are essential long-term improvements to this main road bridge on a key route into Stafford with a significant county council investment. It’s a priority to us to protect and enhance our road bridges across Staffordshire.

"The bulk of this project took place last year, in coordination with the major Levelling Up fund scheme, though the final phase needed to take place when Network Rail could grant the line closures.  The project team has ensured the road remains open at all times, with signals only in place during off-peak periods so that traffic can flow freely at the busiest times. Most of this phase will be completed in a week-and-a-half.

"We’d like to thank people in advance for their patience while the work is carried out.”