M25 overbridge concrete repairs, Ship Lane, Swanley, Kent

DATE CHANGE TO 10TH MAY UNTIL 6TH JUNE 2022

Dear Sir/Madam,

M25 overbridge concrete repairs, Ship Lane, Swanley, Kent

Connect Plus Services works on behalf of National Highways and Connect Plus to manage, operate and maintain the M25 and its linking roads, as well as the Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing.

We’re writing to inform you that we’ll soon be carrying out repairs to the bridge which carries the M25 over Ship Lane, between Swanley and South Darenth.

To carry out this work safely, Ship Lane, between Barfield and Church Road, will be closed 24 hours a day from 9:00am on Tuesday 10 May for two weeks. No closures will be required on the M25 overhead and we expect to have Ship Lane reopened by 1:00pm Tuesday 24 May.

A clearly signed diversion starting from the eastern side of the bridge will be in place via the A225 Main Road and Dartford Road southbound, A20 London Road westbound, Button Street northbound to Wood Street and Ship Lane. This diversion will be reversed for the opposite direction of travel starting from the western side of the bridge.

Recent inspections found some sections of concrete on the underside of the bridge are starting to crack and separate from the structure. A full road closure is needed so that we can safely access the underside of the bridge from Ship Lane and protect the public while we carry out repairs.

We’ll be using quick setting concrete materials so that we can reopen Ship Lane as soon as possible. We’ll be using hydro-demolition, a technique used to remove the damaged areas of concrete with high-pressure water jets, as it will enable us to suppress dust and work quickly. While this method will allow us to complete the work sooner, this equipment can be noisy, for which we apologise in advance. The work area will be enclosed with soundproof matting while this activity is taking place to help reduce noise.

We’ll also be installing additional drainage measures on the bridge which will allow excess water to discharge effectively. This will help stop the ingress of water into specific components of the bridge, increasing its lifespan and reducing the need for future repairs which can be caused by water damage.

We’re carrying out these repairs to keep journeys safe for both road users and pedestrians. If you need to travel while this work is taking place, we recommend you plan ahead and allow more time for your journey. We’ve carefully planned and coordinated our works, but there may be some changes in the event of adverse weather or other unplanned events. If you have any questions about this work, please contact the National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000, available 24 hours a day, or via email at info@highwaysengland.co.uk.

I would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation while this essential work is being carried out.

Yours faithfully,

Ben Evans

Communications Assistant For and on behalf of Connect Plus Service

http://www.connectplusm25.co.uk

http://www.nationalhighways.co.uk

Customer contact centre: 0300 123 5000