Thank you to everyone who has contacted us with their concerns about the impact of the bridge resurfacing works. In response to yesterday’s traffic congestion we have arranged for additional collectors to be brought in to ensure all available toll booths are open. We are continually monitoring the traffic flows across the bridge and taking action to address any specific issues.

We are discussing with Highways England the potential for variable message signs to be placed at strategic locations to inform travellers of potential congestion on the bridge, however we are aware that G7 summit information may take priority in the short term. We are also using our social media channels to advise local travellers of the potential for traffic congestion.

Both cantilever lanes have been closed to allow for a range of tasks to be carried out on each lane simultaneously. This will allow the planing operations to move without interruption from the south cantilever lane to the north cantilever lane. As planned, Volker Laser began planing operations this morning on the south cantilever lane. At the same time preparatory work is continuing on the north cantilever to ensure that it is completed in time for the planing operation to begin unhindered.

This preparatory work has included installing debris netting / containment on parapets, setting out survey points and surveying the existing carriageway and core drilling trial holes to check the thickness of the existing tarmac so that the planer does not damage the steel deck.

The planing operation is expected to take between two and a half and three days per cantilever. We expect the planing operations to begin on the north cantilever during this weekend.

When determining the working arrangements for this project, and all our projects, we need to balance three key factors – time, cost and potential disruption. Closing both cantilevers and working on them simultaneously will reduce the overall duration of project and the project costs.

We are very aware of the impact of traffic queues on both bridge users and local residents and businesses and are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum.