Bailey Bridge comes down

May 15 2009 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

The Bailey Bridge is finally down.

On Monday, May 4, contractors moved in to start the removal process and this week North Ayrshire Council issued a timetable of work.

It states the new bridge will be put in place and finished by April 4 next year.

Last week, the Irvine Herald asked the council why it was taking so long and why drivers continued to suffer traffic chaos around the town.

MP Brian Donohoe has now demanded regular reports from the council to find out how the work is progressing.

A Spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said: “It is normal practice to issue a road closure order to cover possible time over run due to an unforeseen event.

“Pre-contract works were for two weeks and the main contract period is 48 weeks, giving a total of 50 weeks, almost 12 months, which is the period used on any information signs.

“The main elements of works are:

“May 4 to June 8: Set up compound, remove existing bridge deck, demolition works, preparation for piling works.

“June 8 to November 2: Piling works, construct abutments and other foundation works on east and west banks.

“June 8 to October 12: Ordering, fabrication, bending of arch of deck steelwork off site

“October 5 to November 30: Temporary scaffolding works, assemble and erect deck steel, arch and hangers.

“November 30 to February 8: Construct concrete deck, install deck hangers, pre-cast parapets.

“January 11 to April 4 - Bridge deck finishings, parapets, lighting, roadworks.

“April 4, 2010 Completion date.”