Balfour to repair Southampton bridge expansion joints

Work to replace the expansion joints are set to begin on December 17 and are set to take place overnight, from 8PM to 6AM, for two nights.

The longevity of the works will be dependent upon the condition of the underlying concrete and the adhesion of the resins used to bond the joints in place, Balfour Beatty has said.

The company has said it will use inspection test plans to ensure the joints on the road bridge, which links Woolston to Southampton city centre, are properly repaired.

Speaking of the technical challenges to be faced in ensuring the expansion joints on the Itchen Bridge are repaired during works this month, a Balfour Beatty spokesperson told New Civil Engineer that “the most challenging aspect is the location and usage of the bridge”.

“The bridge is a strategic route into Southampton and heavily trafficked. The works require precision engineering works to be carried out to ensure the quality of the works and the longevity of the repairs. The repairs themselves are straightforward and regular works.”

News that the works are set to take place has come after nine out of the 12 expansion joints on the Itchen Bridge were replaced in 2015.

The joints are subject to an annual maintenance regime, however more in-depth maintenance is also carried out every six to 12 years.

A Southampton City Council spokesperson has said: “To minimise disruption, some initial work on each joint will be carried out under temporary traffic signals which will enable us to maintain access from 8PM to 10PM.

“From 10PM to 6AM the bridge will be closed to install the full width expansion joints.”

An overnight diversion route is set to be signposted via Peartree Avenue, Bitterne Road West and Northam Bridge in Southampton.

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