Motorists are likely to face delays as essential repairs are carried out on a major railway bridge in Stevenage throughout the school summer holidays.

The work will be carried out by Herts County Council’s highways department at the bridge on the A1072 Gunnels Wood Road from Monday, until September 2.

For the six-week period there will be a series of lane closures and contraflow systems, between the Hitchin Road roundabout and Clovelly Way roundabout. Work includes replacing expansion joints, refreshing the waterproof treatment on the bridge deck, and resurfacing of the carriageway.

Two lanes next to the central reservation will be closed from Monday until Friday, July 29, and then from Monday, August 29, until Friday, September 2. A contraflow system will be used from Monday, August 1, until Saturday, August 27, in an effort to minimise disruption to motorists.

Terry Douris, the council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “The Gunnels Wood Road railway bridge is nearing a point where its safety might be compromised and we have a duty to carry out this maintenance work for the benefit of all road users.

“We appreciate that works of this nature are always likely to cause some disruption and we thank all road users for their patience while the work is in progress. However by scheduling works during the school summer holidays, when roads are quieter, we hope to reduce inconvenience to motorists.

“This £315,000 scheme forms part of Hertfordshire County Council’s ongoing commitment to maintain and improve our roads.”

Where possible, motorists are advised to avoid this section of the A1072 and allow extra time for journeys.