From Monday, June 13 until early August, the historic Matlock bridge will be closed to all traffic.
From 7 a.m. on Monday, June 13th, 2022, until early August 2022, Matlock Bridge will be shut to all movement (pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles) to allow for flood prevention work.
The next step of the project will involve modifying the road to allow two-way traffic over Matlock Bridge for a limited time. This temporary highway surfacing will be placed on top of the existing road surface and pavement and will be in use for up to 18 months.
Once the bridge construction is finished, the A6 at Derwent Way will be blocked so that a big crane can be positioned on the road to finish the essential flood defense work. Matlock Bridge will subsequently be open to all northbound and southbound traffic.
Following the fall of a wall behind businesses in Crown Square, Matlock, following the February storms, the Environment Agency, Derbyshire County Council, and Derbyshire Dales District Council are working together to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Derwent.
Pedestrians should use the footbridge at Hall Leys Park to cross the River Derwent while the temporary roadway construction is being done.
The Environment Agency’s Project Manager, Naomi Doughty, said:
‘We’re thrilled to report that the next phase of critical flood prevention work will begin on Monday, June 13th, following a well-attended community drop-in session on May 19th.
Because Matlock Bridge is a scheduled monument, special care has been taken to communicate with national and local heritage stakeholders in order to preserve and protect the bridge’s historic value.
We’ve listened to residents’ concerns, and we’ll do everything we can to make the temporary highway as attractive as possible and in line with Matlock’s unique character.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience these works may create, and we appreciate the patience and support of the local community.’
Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport at Derbyshire County Council, said:
‘We recognize that the work will cause some traffic disruption in the town, but it is necessary to complete it as fast as possible to safeguard residents and businesses.
Pedestrians should use the footbridge at Hall Leys Park to cross the River Derwent while the temporary roadway construction is being done.’
Derbyshire Dales District Council’s director of regulatory services, Tim Braund, said:
We will remind residents and visitors that Matlock will stay open on both sides of the river and that businesses will be open throughout this time through signs and regular messages.
During the needed repairs, the footbridge over the river into our Hall Leys Park will be open, allowing visitors to access Matlock’s facilities while also visiting the award-winning park.