Strong winds delay lift of new Telford footbridge section
A second attempt to lift a section of a new Telford footbridge is being planned after winds forced it to be delayed.
The lift was scheduled to begin at around 1.15am this morning but unpredictable winds saw contractors call off the operation for safety reasons.
A second lift is being planned for the early hours of Monday morning.
Should winds continue to be strong contingency plans are in place for a lift on the 18th or 19th and also the weekend of 22/23 September depending on conditions.
The main span of the new bridge which is 90m in length and weighs 230 tonnes will cross both the A442 Eastern Primary and Rampart Way dual carriageways.
It has been constructed on site adjacent to Rampart Way during the past three months.
When completed later this year the new footbridge will link Telford Central train station with Telford Town Centre.
All set...just waiting for final safety clearances... pic.twitter.com/jFjUqZZXHL https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1041124237409509377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Just had the go ahead from our contract manager Paul! @balfourbeatty #Telfordfootbridge pic.twitter.com/BUXzUAnz2G https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1041132209846067200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The wind speed has picked up so the lift is under review for tonight. Currently assessing the situation. #Telfordfootbridge we will update when a decision is made. https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1041138841195872256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Sorry everyone but the winds are too unpredictable and strong to lift tonight. Thanks to everyone who turned out to watch. We will try again tomorrow evening - forecast is looking better. Further updates to follow. #Telfordfootbridge https://twitter.com/TelfordWrekin/status/1041144846776459264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
