Major work to replace two bridges over the A64 at York, has been pencilled in for early May.

The £659,000 bridge maintenance programme will involve the removal and replacement of two 350-tonne bridges at Damlands Lane and Fulford Golf Club on the York bypass.

Contractors Birse Construction will use specialist lifting and transporting equipment in the complex operation.

The scheme will involve some overnight closures of the A64 between the A19 at Fulford and the A1079 at Grimston Bar.

Lane closures will also be required to allow work on the bridge supports at either side of the road and in the central reserve. A 50mph speed limit will be imposed while this is in place.

As reported in the Evening Press in January, Fulford golf club has vowed to stay open during the work. They are annoyed that the operation coincides with the opening of the new season.

A temporary footbridge will be installed over the A64 at the golf club.

David Phillips, Highways Agency project manager, said: "The golf course lies on either side of the road. We are providing the temporary bridge to make sure golfers still have access to both sides of the course while work on replacing the bridge is under way.

"We will be making every effort to keep disruption to a minimum and any road closures will take place at night at the weekends.

"We have also timed the work to ensure it's completed in July before the start of the busy summer holiday period."

The work is required because the bridges have been affected by concrete 'cancer'- the result of a chemical reaction within the concrete.

Further bridges on the York outer ring road at Bad Bargain Lane and Grimston Grange will be replaced next year.

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