A DECAYING bridge could be replaced by a £15 million crossing by 2015.
The A138 Chelmer Viaduct was back in business this week after a temporary closure for vital maintenance work.
Repairs had been postponed from March due to the freezing temperatures, however instead of concentrating on the framework of the bridge, engineers focused on resurfacing the road.
Work carried out by the Highways Agency began overnight on May 7 and continued until May 9 and included resurfacing and renewal of road markings and road studs.
The current bridge, built in 1932, carried the first Chelmsford A12 bypass and was opened by Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII.
A new £15 million bridge, crossing the flood plain between the Army & Navy and Chelmer Village retail park, was discussed in 2009 and scheduled to be built in 2011, but has yet to come to fruition.
However a spokesman for the Highways Agency indicated that a new bridge was still on the cards.
According to details published by the Highways Agency online, they are currently in the process of recommissioning a scheme consultant and will need to revisit some of the previously obtained agreements and approvals as some may be expired before works can commence.
The implication is that works cannot begin until late this year at the earliest, though it is more likely it will be delayed until Spring 2014 to avoid ground work in areas prone to flooding during winter months.
The Highways Agency said the most optimistic timescale for completion of the new viaduct is by the end of 2015.
A spokesman said: "We are currently carrying out maintenance to keep journeys on the viaduct safe and smooth.
"Work includes resurfacing and renewal of white lines and road studs.
"The Chelmer viaduct is in a safe and serviceable condition.
"We continue to monitor the condition of the structure, which is an important part of the road network, and carry out maintenance work when required.
"It remains our plan to replace the existing A138 Chelmer Viaduct and River Bridge with a new structure.
"Further details will be announced in due course."