Essential works to refurbish a bridge across the Nene parkway will begin next week in order to ensure it is safe to use for years to come.

Longthorpe Bridge, which carries Thorpe Road over the parkway, is the final bridge on the A1260 Nene parkway to require refurbishment.

The works are due to begin on Monday 19 August and will include concrete repairs, replacement of the bridge bearings and reconstruction of the pier tops which support the road surface. To do the works the bridge will need to be raised off its existing supports to enable these to be replaced.

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A large amount of the pier tops will have to be removed using hydro-demolition. This process along with any works at night will be carried out as sensitively as possible to limit any inconvenience to nearby residents.

Simon Machen, Head of Planning, Transport and Engineering for Peterborough City Council, said: "The city's parkway system was built in the 1970s and as a result all the bridges have required maintenance at a similar time. Longthorpe bridge is the final bridge on the Nene parkway to be refurbished.

"The work we are undertaking to the bridge is absolutely essential. If allowed to continue to deteriorate the bridge would become unsafe and lane restrictions on the bridge would be enforced permanently.

"We apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause and advise drivers to avoid this area during commuting hours if they can, to help reduce congestion."

The works are due to run for 19 weeks and are expected to be completed before Christmas.

(CD/JP)