Aston Expressway closure scheme extended

Aston Expressway

BIRMINGHAM’S exasperated motorists are set to have their patience tested even further after Highways England revealed it is to extend the programme of overnight closures on the Aston Expressway for a further fortnight.

The agency had lifted full weekend closures of Spaghetti Junction sooner than anticipated, which it said had opened up an opportunity to reduce the overall duration of the roadworks, which had been scheduled to run until Christmas.

Trying to put a positive spin on the situation, the agency said: “By extending the programme for two weeks now, (we) can fully utilise the existing programme of repairs and avoid further disruption to motorists of between six to eight weeks.”

The scheme was originally due to finish on September 5 but will now be completed mid-month. Two narrow lanes on the out of city road A38(M) will now remain in place until the work is completed.

Highways England Regional Divisional Director in the Midlands, Andrew Butterfield said: “By completing the work now, we can fully repair this section of the carriageway and reduce the duration of work and more importantly the risk of emergency repairs during the colder and wetter winter months.

“Safety is our number one priority and these repairs are vital in helping us to protect this iconic structure for years to come.”

He said HE was continuing to work closely with Birmingham City Council to manage the repair programme and although further work was likely in the future, the agency was making every effort to try and minimise disruption.

The work is being carried out to assess water damage under the concrete surface of the viaduct.

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