A HISTORIC viaduct that spans the River Chelmer on one of the town’s busiest roads is set to be replaced at an estimated cost of £14million.

Plans for the bridge and viaduct in Chelmer Road, which links the Army and Navy roundabout with the Chelmer Village Way roundabout, have been submitted to Chelmsford Council.

The viaduct runs across the floodplain of the Baddow Meads, which is in a conservation area.

The work has to be carried out because the 1930s structure is in poor condition and deteriorating. If nothing is done, it would have to have a weight restriction and possibly be closed.

The bridge will be replaced along with new drainage ponds, landscaping and a new lighting scheme, as well as new access arrangements.

The new structure will be constructed alongside the present one, which will then be demolished when work is completed.

The total timescale, if the application is approved, is two years, starting early next year. This is 18 months to build the new viaduct and six months to remove the old one.

The replacement viaduct has been designed to allow for access to the Waterside development planned for the old gas works site at a later date.

Neil Gulliver, Chelmsford Council’s cabinet member for planning and building control, said: “I understand there is the same problem with the concrete as there was with a bridge in Wickford that had to be replaced. The work has to be done with the least impact on the traffic of Chelmsford. This is a very busy road. The bridge is within the conservation area of Baddow Meads and therefore has to be understated. We do not want anything too imposing for the area.”

The replacement viaduct will be constructed to the west of the existing viaduct.

A planning application has been made by the Highways Agency.

The applications, including one for conservation area consent, are available to view on the council’s website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ planningapplications.

A full paper set is available to view in the planning reception at the Civic Centre in Chelmsford during office hours.

Comments on both applications should be made before April 2.