Issue details

Further work towards the Phase 2 full strengthening and restoration of the Bridge and its re-opening to motor vehicles is now required in line with the Strategic Transport aspirations of the DfT, TfL and the Council. These essential works required to move to the next stage are the removal of the two gas mains off the bridge and diversion on an alternative route, the planning application for the innovative truss option, and further development of the contract and procurement of the full restoration so it is ready to progress once the stabilisation work is completed. This will ensure that the future project to strengthen the Bridge can be undertaken with greater expediency, effectiveness, and minimisation of technical risks.
This report sets out the details of this work and proposals for the commencement of the work through preferred external technical experts and suppliers. This expenditure will be incorporated as part of the overall expenditure for the full restoration of the Bridge.

Once again it is proposed to fund these works in good faith and at risk in order to expedite the process in anticipation of DfT and TfL subsequently contributing their one-third shares.