Engaging with the Community

Keeping local audiences informed, particularly when works have an impact on their day-to-day lives, is important.

The A120 River Blackwater Bridge Refurbishment, just east of Braintree, in Essex is a scheme where we have an ongoing engagement with those most affected.

While the works are having no impact upon road users, there are three residential properties close to the bridge who are taking an active interest.

Due to local wildlife, including nesting swallows, feeding bats and a resident otter, measures have been taken to ensure no unnecessary disturbance takes place.

Members of the site team speak with the residents at least once a week and we also attend the local parish council meetings to keep everyone informed.

The steel underside of the bridge is being sandblasted and repainted, while concrete repairs will be carried out above.  All work is taking place off network so road users are largely unaware of the works.

Opening local sluice gates has allowed the water levels to be lowered enough to install a pontoon beneath the bridge, enabling a safe working environment.  The underside of the bridge is securely encapsulated to prevent any materials entering the local water supply, and acoustic curtains are keeping disturbance from the noisy sandblasting to a minimum.

The closest residents (and their dogs) are taking an active interest in the scheme and are happy with progress to date.