A series of drop-in events are being held for the community to find out more about essential maintenance work to the historic Cookham Bridge.
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 works are subject to planning permission and, if approved, the project is due to get underway in October and include bearing replacement, re-waterproofing, resurfacing and joint replacement. The bridge is due to close on Monday 16 October for approximately 20 weeks to motor vehicles during the work, but pedestrian access will remain. Cyclists will need to dismount before crossing the bridge.
Access to any properties or business 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.
There will be an opportunity for communities to find out more about the project and have the chance to ask questions at a series of drop-in events being held on both the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire side of the bridge.
These will be held at:
- Tuesday 18 July - 4pm to 7pm (The Parish Centre, Holy Trinity Church, Churchgate, Cookham)
- Wednesday 26 July - 4pm to 7pm (Bourne End Community Centre, Wakeman Road)
- Monday 4 September - 4pm to 7pm (The Parish Centre, Holy Trinity Church, Churchgate, Cookham)
- Tuesday 5 September - 4pm to 7pm (Bourne End Community Centre)
Communities and businesses will be notified in advance of any work starting to minimise disruption as much as possible, and advance road signage will be in place prior to work commencing to help motorists plan their journeys.
Information will also be available on the council’s website at www.rbwm.gov.uk/cookhambridge
Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “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. 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 and will be 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, and as this project proceeds.
“If you live in the vicinity of Cookham Bridge, please do come along to one of the drop-in sessions to find out more. There will be the opportunity to look at the plans in more detail and ask the project team questions.”