What recent consideration has the Minister given to overnight working taking place to expedite the reopening of the A458 road as a result of current repair works taken place?
Consideration was given to 24 hour working on the A458 project, but was discounted on the grounds of health and welfare for the contractor, environmental disturbances for local residents and significant additional costs for this confined site. The diversion route, although inconvenient for some local residents, is not too onerous for through traffic and this in itself would not warrant a 24/7 approach.
Adoption of 24 hour working would not reduce the programme greatly either, as certain materials used in the construction of the new retaining wall and culvert would still need time to set, harden and cure before the next phase of work could begin. Backfilling operations can only commence once the structural elements of the wall and culvert repair works at the base of the excavation have gained sufficient strength.
It was agreed, conventional long day shift working methods with a compact works programme was the best approach allow the A458 to be re-opened as soon as possible whilst managing the disruption to road users.