A500 - Essential Bridge Repairs

We are carrying out essential repair work to a bridge expansion joint on the A500 between roundabouts 2 and 3 at Basford Railway Bridge, which carries the A500 over the West Coast Main Line.

During an emergency call out, an issue was identified with a bridge expansion joint after part of a rubber sealing strip became detached. The defective material was removed and the area made safe, with temporary traffic management put in place while further investigations were carried out.

Following further assessment, a defective bridge expansion joint has been identified. To maintain safety for road users, lane one is currently closed in both the eastbound and westbound directions. Traffic management, signage and variable message signs (VMS) are in place to help keep road users informed.

Current traffic management

The following measures are currently in place between Roundabouts 2 and 3 on the A500:

• Lane one closures in both the eastbound and westbound directions
• A temporary 30mph speed restriction through the affected area
• Traffic management, signage and VMS messaging

These measures will remain in place while the bridge expansion joint continues to be monitored and repaired.

Planned repair works

Following further investigations, we have updated the programme for the emergency bridge joint repairs. The repairs are more complex than first anticipated and require materials that need time to set, so the works will now take place during a series of overnight road closures as follows:

Westbound carriageway

• Overnight closures from 14 to 18 September from 8pm and 5am
• The westbound carriageway will fully reopen after the final night of work on 18 September
• A daytime lane closure will remain in place for safety while repairs are completed

Eastbound carriageway

• The first overnight closure will be on 18 September from 8pm to 5am
• No overnight closures are planned on 19 or 20 September to reduce weekend disruption
• A further three overnight closures will take place between 21 and 24 September from 8pm to 5am
• The eastbound carriageway will fully reopen after the final night of work on 24 September
• A daytime lane closure will remain in place for safety while repairs are completed

Daytime traffic management

While the repairs are carried out between Roundabouts 2 and 3 on the A500, the following measures will remain in place:

• Lane 1 closures in both directions
• A temporary 30mph speed limit
• Traffic management, signage and variable message signs (VMS)

The revised programme has been developed with our specialist contractor to ensure the repairs can be completed safely while keeping disruption to a minimum, including avoiding overnight closures at weekends where possible.

Diversion routes will be signed during the closures.

Why is this work needed

Bridge expansion joints allow a structure to safely expand and contract as temperatures change and traffic loads pass over it. These repairs are necessary to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational while longer-term improvements are planned and delivered.

A full replacement of the expansion joint remains part of this year's feasibility and design programme, with construction currently planned for 2027/28.

The safety of road users remains our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding while this essential work takes place and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.