The Port of Dover has announced that necessary structural strengthening and investigations works will require the temporary closure of the Union Street swingbridge.
The works will take place after the school summer holiday and bank holiday periods, in order to minimise disruption to the local community during that period. As well as to the seafront, the bridge also provides important access to local businesses, the cargo terminal and current marina, and so is an important asset to maintain.
Works, will take place Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm, but it will be necessary to close the bridge to vehicles throughout, although pedestrian access will be maintained expect for on a limited number of occasions as set out below:
Vehicular diversion
The bridge will be closed to all vehicles from 6th September 2021. The anticipated duration of works will be approximately 11 weeks, with the bridge provisionally reopening to vehicular traffic on 18th November 2021 subject to the findings of the upcoming structural investigations and repairs.
A vehicular diversion route will be in place during the entire period as shown on the image ‘Union Street bridge works – vehicle diversion route’ drawing, with the primary route for HGVs and cars to the Cargo Terminal & Seafront areas via Wellesley Road and along Marine Parade, Waterloo Crescent and Esplanade.
Limited closure to pedestrians
Pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained on at least one walkway throughout the works except between 9am – 1pm on the following dates only:
- 8th September
- 9th September
- 10th September
- 13th September
During these periods, a temporary pedestrian diversion route will be in place around Wellington Dock as shown on the image ‘Union Street bridge works – pedestrian diversion route’ drawing.
The works will result in increased freight vehicle movements from the cargo terminal along the seafront while the bridge is closed, so our community is asked to be aware, if crossing the road to/from the seafront that the road may, at times, be busier than normal.
The Port of Dover is apologising for any disruption and inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while this important project is delivered.