Once Derwent Way is open, the Environment Agency will return the bridge to one-way traffic. Severn Trent need to replace a water pipe that runs over the bridge, so this work will be done at the same time.
It is expected that the work by the Environment Agency and Severn Trent will take 6 weeks to complete, with the bridge reopening to one-way traffic early to mid-October. Pedestrian access over the bridge will be maintained throughout these works, exception for occasional overnight closures, when those on foot will need to use the footbridge in Hall Leys Park.
Severn Trent is currently working to replace the clean water main north of the junction with Derwent Way and the A615, which is due to be finished by the end of July. At the same time we have been doing some work on the highways drains on this stretch of road, making use of the traffic lights that Severn Trent have needed for their work.
Once the bridge is reopened, Severn Trent will move on to replace the clean water main from the junction of Derwent Way and the A615 to Crown Square. This will require temporary traffic lights from when the work starts, until it finishes around spring 2024.
We will undertake some work to the highways drains while this work is being carried out so that no further inconvenience is caused.
Our Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said:
“We realise that the work that has been taking place in Matlock has been very frustrating for local residents and people travelling through, but the Environment Agency had to replace a damaged flood wall.
“We’ve also had to allow Severn Trent to replace clean water pipes so that everyone in the town can continue to receive clean safe drinking water.
“But we are trying to work together and keep you updated on the works to make sure that we are causing as least inconvenience as possible for all living and working in the town.
“Please accept our apologies for the delays that have been caused by the work.”
Naomi Doughty, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“We have been working closely with Derbyshire County Council on a plan that will see the A6 reopened in early September and Matlock Bridge reopened to single lane traffic.
“We thank the local community for their continued support and understanding while we have been carrying out these essential flood defence works and apologise for the temporary disruption that has been caused during the construction works.”
Christina Massey, community communications officer at Severn Trent, said:
“The work that we’re delivering in Matlock will ensure a more robust water supply, which will be more resilient against issues such as leaks or bursts that can impact people’s supply.
“We understand just how frustrating roadworks can be and always aim to complete any works with as little disruption and as quickly as possible. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete this essential upgrade to the local network.”
District Council Chairman Councillor Steve Wain, who is also a Matlock flood warden, said:
“It's great that we have a reopening date for the road and that the integrity of the flood wall is being reinstated. We thank all partners who have worked hard to get to this point. I am passionate about maintaining Matlock's status as a vibrant and thriving town and as this phase of the works draws to a conclusion, it is important that the strong partnership arrangement established to tackle this problem continues to address other flood-related issues for the town."
There will be other road works in Matlock during the time that these works are taking place, some will be planned works, others may be emergency works. For an up-to-date list of agreed works visit the national website one.network and search for Matlock.