Notes from a Meeting held on 27 February in Colwall School.
Attending: Nicky Carless, in the chair, and some 100+ residents
Herefordshire Council: Brian Wilcox, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, Michael Hainge, Director for the Environment and Martin Jackson, Project team Leader
Network Rail: Chris Mair, Public Affairs Officer, Ian Fostik (Fostick?), Engineer and Mike Smith, Engineer.
Brian Wilcox :
In August, the engineer’s recommendation was to “close to all traffic, including pedestrians”.
The full report was received a few days late, ie on 10 January 2008 and a joint meeting with NR held on 30 January
NR had planned to replace the bridge in 2011/12, but if a Bailey bridge had been installed, the new bridge might have been delayed even further. They have decided to go for a replacement bridge.
Martin Jackson :
The bridge was inspected on 11 – 12 August 2007.
At end August, HC decided could open the bridge to foot traffic. *
Planning for a further inspection of the bridge began at the beginning of September.
From 26 September, HC decided there was the potential to open the bridge to light traffic.
On 16 October, HC gave NR preliminary designs for a Bailey bridge.
By 5 November, preliminary inspection of the engineer’s inspection confirmed they could open the bridge to light traffic and they started the design of the temporary route.
First week of November, contractors looked into the foundations for a Bailey bridge.
Beginning of December: opened to light traffic and formal approval from NR for the Bailey bridge.
For the temp route, HC looked for bridge members with the least deterioration – the supporting beams are at a skew relative to the road, hence the angle of the route.
End December, had “headline“results of the engineer’s assessment. Full Report received on 10 January.
Met NR on 10 and 30 January to discuss whether to repair the bridge, put in a temp bridge or replace it.
HC has looked at the restricted route to see if any improvements could be made.
Beginning of January, carried out an audit of the route, providing data for potential enhancements.
1. Ist phase in March – fluorescent strips, signage and white lines
2. 2nd phase lighting to bridge and signs – due July.
Nicky Carless: PC will take up with HC the matter of access for emergency vehicles.
Mike Smith – Network Rail:
Generally NR takes three years to design and replace a bridge.
For Colwall, will reduce this to one year, ie completion by 1 April 2009.
There is no “float” in the period for dealing with unexpected matters.
Programme:
1. Provide a temporary footbridge before Christmas 2008.
2. Jan – Feb 2009 – remove old bridge
3. Feb – Mar 2009 - install new bridge.
The bridge will be closed for six weeks.
There are no funding issues as far as NR is concerned.
NR has not contacted the utilities, but will be notifying them this week.
Nicky Carless: PC will work with HC on the matter of improving the diversion routes.
Brian Wilcox:
Confirmed that HC will be payng their proportion of the cost.
Sort of agreed to provide a written statement that HC agree to the cost of the works.
Martin Jackson :
Told that chicane is crude and asked if it could be modified so that traffic could pass without accident, replied that the designers say that they cannot move the alignment of the chicane.
Adrian Mealing:
Failure is not an option – NR confirmed it wasn’t for them either.
This community will watch and observe HC’s actions
Brian Richardson
After reading resolution formulated by residents, asked ‘How are you going to shorten your time frame’.
Ian Fostik (NR) –
Shrinking it beyond the current programme is not possible
Brian Richardson:
We don’t accept that.
JRA 28.2.08