A66 pipe-gate rumbles on as major road to close again
The A66 in Middlesbrough is set to close again as repairs to fix the aftermath of the 40-tonne pipe damage continue.
Repairs will begin on the westbound carriageway[1] this weekend weeks after the huge vessel fell onto the major route from the back of a lorry. The incident – which took place on the bridge near the Shepherdson Way junction – saw a section of the road closed for one week.
The object, a gas heat exchanger, was hoisted by a crane with temporary repairs taking place in a bid to get the road open for motorists as quickly as possible. However, Middlesbrough Council[2] has confirmed that a full repair to the road will now be carried out this weekend as the saga rumbles on.
A full repair to the bridge deck, waterproof membrane and both layers of tarmac on the viaduct will be carried out, with the section of the carriageway at the All Saints viaduct being closed from 9pm on Sunday, July 23 until 6am on Saturday, July 29. Traffic management systems with full signage will be in place to divert traffic off the A66[4].
The mammoth 20-metre pipe churned up the road when it fell from the back of the lorry, with the repair costs initially being described as “considerable.” Nobody was injured during the incident.
A pipe fell off a truck and onto the A66 in Middlesbrough (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: “The carriageway was re-opened as soon as possible after the accident, but a longer-term repair was always going to be required. We’re pleased to be able to schedule this for the coming week, and will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.[5]
“We’re also grateful to road users for their patience and understanding, and apologise for any inconvenience while these essential works are carried out.”
References
- ^ westbound carriageway (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Middlesbrough Council (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Mammoth Wynyard housing plan objectors could launch legal fight saying: ‘We have right to say, no’ (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ A66 (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Middlesbrough Council (www.gazettelive.co.uk)