The next phase of a £6m project to replace the bridge which carries Merafield Road over the A38 at Plymouth is to begin.

The second phase, which starts on Sunday 9 November, will consist of reinforcing the embankment adjacent to the bridge. In order to undertake this work, a contraflow will be installed for approximately one mile with two eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes open to traffic. A temporary speed limit of 50pmh will be imposed whilst lane restrictions are in place for the safety of road users and road workers.

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The existing bridge is suffering from alkali silica reaction, commonly known as concrete cancer. In time, the structure would eventually become unsafe, and therefore needs to be demolished and a replacement structure built.

As part of the work the verge slope to the east has to be stabilised as movement has been recorded following periods of wet weather during recent winters. The slope will be stabilised by inserting nine metre long 'nails' into the ground to prevent any slippage.

Traffic management will be installed overnight on Sunday 9 November and the normal hours of work will be between 7am and 7pm.

Construction of the new bridge is planned to start in the Summer of 2015 and be completed within a year.

(CD/JP)