Part of the tram network in Croydon will shut down this half term as part of the ongoing Blackhorse Lane Bridge construction.

The 120-year-old bridge was supposed to reopen after repairs last month but in October it was announced that it had been delayed until 2020.

Work started last summer and Addiscombe Park Bridge owned by Croydon Council is also being replaced at the same time.

On Saturday (February 16) the main construction work on the bridge is set to start.

And this means trams between Addiscombe and Birkbeck, and Addiscombe and Elmers End  will not run from Saturday, February 16 until Sunday, February 24.

A spokeswoman from TfL said: “This will be the start of the main construction work on the Blackhorse Lane bridge and involves strengthening its base ahead of replacing the road deck, which passes over the tram tracks, at a later date.

“This closure has been carefully planned to take place during half term to minimise the disruption to our customers as much as possible.”

Durung this time rail replacement bus services will run between East Croydon and Birkbeck.

How about pedestrians? 

Pedestrians are also set to be affected with less access in the area. This includes:

The closure of a section of pavement between Dalmally Road and Elmers Road.

Closure of the temporary walkway on the bridge over the Addiscombe Railway Park  to make space for cranes and rigs.

Change of access to the temporary footbridge over the tramway.  This will be via Dalmally Passage and Dalmally Road; and via Elmers Road, Tenterden Road, Wydenhurst Road and Sissinghurst Road.

When else will trams be affected? 

This week-long closure of the trams is just the first of a number of closures expected this year. There will be no trams between:

Sandilands and Birkbeck/Elmers End on Sunday 3 March and Sunday 10 March until 4pm each day.

Sandilands and Birkbeck/Elmers End over the weekends of 16/17 March and 23/24 March.

Addiscombe and Birkbeck/Elmers End over the weekend of 30/31 March.

Why is it taking so long?

Main construction on the bridge is expected to be done by spring 2020 and there is a plan to open both bridges for single lane traffic in December this year.

The complex project will see both bridges demolished and rebuilt in two sections without damaging neighbouring structures or gas and electricity supplies that run through them.

Last year a Victorian sewer system was discovered opposite Addiscombe Park railway bridge that was not detailed on any drawings for the area.

This meant extra surveys we carried out before work could begin.

Underground tunnels and cables also had to be identified and housed in temporary structures while the bridges are replaced.

A TfL spokesman said: “We have pressed the contractor, Morgan Sindall, for a revised project delivery date as their original planned date was unacceptable to us.

“This prompted an in-depth review of options needed to complete the work earlier.

“Local sensitivities needed to be factored in around carrying out major construction work in a heavily residential area, to ensure environmental controls are in place concerning noise and light pollution.”