People who usually use Cookham Bridge are being reminded to plan their journeys with the bridge due to be closed for essential maintenance work from Monday 16 October for approximately 20 weeks.
This important refurbishment project will help extend the life of the Grade II listed structure, ensuring the bridge continues to serve the community for many years to come and will avoid more disruptive work in future years.
The project will include bearing replacement, re-waterproofing, resurfacing and joint replacement. The bridge will close to motor vehicles during the work, but pedestrian access will remain. Cyclists will need to dismount before crossing the bridge.
Access to properties or businesses within the closure area will be maintained at all times. The diversion route will follow the A4094 south from Cookham, west along the A4 Bath Road, north on the A404, and then along the A4155 Marlow Road, with this route in reverse for traffic on the northern side of the bridge. Advance road signage is in place to help motorists plan their journeys.
Working hours will be from 7am to 9pm (up to seven days a week when required). If work outside these times is required, the community will be notified in advance. Work will pause over the Christmas period, between 22 December and 2 January, 2024 but due to the nature and complexity of the works the bridge will remain closed to motor vehicles during this time.
Buses will be unable to serve Cookham and Cookham Rise while Cookham Bridge is closed.
Train services are running as usual from Cookham railway station to Maidenhead, Furze Platt and Bourne End.
For High Wycombe, Wooburn Green and Loudwater the council is advising passengers to travel to Bourne End, by train from Cookham, where they can pick up their regular bus from outside the railway station to continue their journey. Information on service alterations is being displayed at affected bus stops.
For those with reduced mobility or a disability, contact People to Places on 01628 587925 to learn about alternative door-to-door dial-a-ride services.
The council has carried out extensive work to raise awareness of the upcoming closure, including drop-in sessions on both the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire sides of the bridge for residents to find out more, and letters direct to households.
For more information, visit the council’s website at www.rbwm.gov.uk/cookhambridge, and for a temporary bus timetable, visit https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/cookham-bridge-closure.
Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Work to Cookham Bridge is due to get underway shortly to carry out essential maintenance to this historic bridge. While I understand that a project of this scale will bring some temporary disruption for road users, residents and businesses in the area, we will be striving to keep this to a minimum. We have been working hard to provide as much information as possible both locally, and to surrounding communities, in a clear and timely manner in advance of any work taking place.
“Routine inspections have identified the need for essential maintenance to this historic bridge. If left unattended, extensive and longer-term strengthening works would be required in future. By making this investment now, we can ensure the bridge is fit for purpose for everyone to use for decades to come and avoid more disruptive work in future years. This project will extend the life of the bridge, maintaining a key route and connection for residents, businesses, as well as visitors to our borough.
“If you use Cookham Bridge regularly, on your journey to and from work for example, or usually catch the bus from the village, please do take the time to familiarise yourself with all the information we have available in advance of the closure so that you can plan your upcoming journeys.”