Hi Roy, et al,
Thank you for your email, which I have just picked up.
Please be advised that an emergency order was raised with CCC’s Contractor to address the issues identified.
However, this clearly has not come to fruition, despite Steve and I having been actively chasing this.
I will pursue this separately and outside of this correspondence, as it is clear that the current processes are not working as they should.
With regard to Bower Footbridge and its current condition, I will be closing the footbridge today in the best interests of public safety.
I have just reached out to a number of team members and partners to arrange this. Given the timing of the request, I will provide a further update later today once arrangements have been confirmed.
As you are aware, the structure is planned to be replaced and the new bridge has already been manufactured. The replacement works were due to commence in approximately four weeks. Unfortunately, however, the Middle Level Commissioners have delayed our navigational closure and subsequent access until Monday 2nd November.
For full transparency, I have attached the relevant MLC correspondence and have copied Martin Redding (Senior PM) into this email. You may also have seen the issues raised by the MLC on the local BBC news.
I am continuing to discuss the revised programme with the Contractor.
At this stage, it is likely that the works will now continue into the New Year. I will provide a further update once the revised programme has been fully formalised.
Best regards,
Adam Cobb IEng MICE MCIHT
Structures & VRS Engineer.
Highways Maintenance and Management
Place & Sustainability
Cambridgeshire County Council
Box No ALC2615, New Shire Hall, Alconbury Weald, PE28 4YE
