A340 and canal to shut for Aldermaston Lifting Bridge repairs

Repairs on a vital transport link will start next week.

Works are going ahead on Monday (January 8) to remove and repair the Aldermaston Lifting Bridge, spelling closures and diversions for motorists.

The A340 will be temporarily shut during this period to complete the necessary works safely.

Denise Gaines (Lib Dem, Hungerford and Kintbury), portfolio holder for highways, housing and sustainable travel, said: “The upgrade of Aldermaston Wharf Bridge is essential to ensure the bridge remains in a reliable working condition for many years to come.

“We understand the inconvenience caused by the road closure and assure you that we are working diligently to complete the project as quickly as possible.”

The refurbishment will require removing the entire moving bascule part of the bridge to a steel fabrication yard for structural repairs and repainting, which is due to be completed by March 15.

The Kennet and Avon Canal will also be closed from January 8 until January 14 to allow the removal of the bascule, and then again from February 26 until March 15 to reinstall the bascule.

Diversions have been identified for pedestrians and vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes and over and will be signposted during the closure.

The bridge was constructed in the early 1980s and many of its structural, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems are now outdated, with spare parts becoming increasingly harder to source.

Visit https://one.network/?tm=GB136963176 to view the planned closure and alternative routes.

Contact West Berkshire Council on (01635) 519080 for all enquiries.