Changes to bus services and traffic diversion routes have been revealed ahead of the part-closure of the iconic Burton Bridge.

Bus firm Midland Classic is changing its routes as the town prepares for 10-weeks without full use of one of the main routes into Burton.

While one lane into Burton will be open at all times, there will be no access out of Burton towards Newton Solney, Winshill, Stapenhill and Swadlincote.

It follows last year’s closure of St Peter’s Bridge and is part of a £6.1million project to improve the two main bridges over the River Trent in the town centre.

Burton Bridge refurbishment will mean drivers will be looking for alternative routes

Buses

Midland Classic bosses have admitted they have no idea how bad traffic could be in town, but say they will put precautions in place, which could mean some services departing a little earlier.

A spokesman said: "We have no idea how bad the traffic will be, so as a precaution we have adjusted the times we leave Burton’s Queen’s Hospital and Horninglow by a few minutes and most buses will leave Burton towards Winshill and Swadlincote five minutes earlier than normal.

"During this time buses on Route 3 and Route 8 will leave Burton via St Peter’s Bridge and Stapenhill Road. Passengers who normally get on the bus in High Street need to go to New Street Bay 6 or Lichfield Street (Halfords).

"Buses into Burton will run via Burton Bridge and High Street as per normal line of route. However, there will be several full closures of the bridge from 7pm overnight - during this time inbound buses will also divert via Stapenhill Road and St Peter’s Bridge.

Alternative diversions include from the A511 Derby Turn to A511 at the junction of Beaufort Road

"We will monitor the traffic over the first few days and may need to make further changes to all routes.

"In order to keep the services running, we may split journeys in Burton town centre, so please be prepared to change buses if requested; this may delay your journey.

"Please allow extra time for your journeys, especially during the early part of the closure."

For those travelling on Route 3 and Route 8 a temporary timetable can be accessed here.

Diversions

Those using alternative transport into town can take several diversion routes to avoid the traffic.

Travelling from St Peter's Bridge, motorists can turn right into Orchard Street, then onto Union Street, straight over into Guild Street and onto Horninglow Street.

St Peter's Bridge to A511 at the junction of Horninglow Street and Guild Street

Motorists travelling from the A511 Swadlincote can turn left into Beaufort Road and onto Violet Way. They can then turn right on to the A444 Stanton Road and across to St Peter's Bridge.

Those driving in on Newton Road can turn up to Mill Hill Lane, turn right then immediate first left to Hawfield Lane, turn right to Melbourne Avenue, and then right onto Bretby Lane and on to the A511.

Those in Newton Solney hoping to get to Burton can leave Newton Lane by turning right into Knight's Lane, and onto Bretby Lane to the A511.

Those in Repton should proceed to Willington and on to the A38.

Repton or Willington to A511 Derby Turn

Those driving down the A511 from areas such as Beam Hill and Tutbury can turn right in to Calais Road, turn into Belvedere Road, then onto Dallow Street.

Turn right onto the A5121 Derby Street and turn left into Shobnall Road, driving straight to St Peter's Bridge.

After consulting residents, businesses and emergency services, the county council has confirmed:

  • The rescheduled work will start on June 18 and finish in time for the start of the new school term in September - a reduction of three weeks on the original plans.
  • One lane on the bridge will now remain open, instead of the proposed full closure of all four lanes. This will be into Burton to allow emergency services to manage journeys over the bridges and encourage people to support businesses in the town
  • Extra highways crews will be deployed. During the scheme, work will be carried out from 7.30am to 4.30pm, seven days a week, with additional twilight shifts from 4.30pm to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday, except when curing time for materials is necessary.
  • Overnight working is not possible for the full duration of the scheme because of the impact of noise on nearby residential areas. Some overnight work will be needed towards the end of the project to apply the final carriageway surface and the bridge will be fully closed overnight and reopen at 6am.
  • Access will be maintained for cyclist and pedestrians.