Bridge lift on A303 Sparkford to Ilchester - timelapse video

On Saturday 13 May, the A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme hit a milestone with style as a temporary bridge was installed 35 hours ahead of schedule!

In the early hours of Saturday morning, a 200-tonne crane lifted the new bridge into place. This new temporary bridge is a vital part of the scheme – it will keep construction off the main road, reducing the impact of the scheme on road users and residents.

The project team had arranged to close the A303 in both directions – between Hazlegrove roundabout and Podimore roundabout – for a whole weekend. But thanks to a fantastic team effort, the road was back open Saturday at 5:30pm, rather than Monday morning. It was the first time the scheme needed a full closure and thanks to sdthe hard work of the project team and its contractors, the bridge was installed without issues and well ahead of time.

As part of the preparation work, more than 2,500 letters were sent to residents along the diversion route, as well as lots of engagement with the local residents, businesses and parish councils to help minimise the impact of the closure.

Elliot Hayes, National Highways’ Senior Project Manager for the scheme, said: ‘As the first total closure of the scheme, we were keen for the bridge installation to go smoothly. We're really glad it all went well and we could reopen the road early. 

This bridge connects both sides of the scheme, which is vital for the progress of the earth moving operation. Now that this is complete, we’ll really be able to ramp up the work on the south side of the scheme.'