Posted on Friday 11th October 2024
Chetwynd Bridge
Drivers of commercial vehicles are being reminded again of a weight and width limit on a historic Staffordshire bridge which risks closure if it sustains further damage.
Both a 7.5-tonne weight limit and 2.3 metre (7ft 6ins) width restriction are in place on the Grade II Listed 19 century Chetwynd Bridge near Alrewas to help to protect it and enable vehicles to continue to use it.
Unfortunately some commercial vehicle drivers are ignoring the weight limit signs and continuing to use the bridge. This is causing structural damage which could lead to a full closure if it continues.
Now the county council is asking local businesses to ensure all their drivers and contractors are fully aware of the restrictions on the bridge. Bridge use is being monitored and drivers not adhering to the restrictions will be contacted by the county council. Enforcement action may then follow.
After securing £2.35million from the Department for Transport, a full restoration was carried out on the bridge two years ago. The award-winning project repaired the ironwork structure which was deteriorating.
In the longer term and when funding becomes available the county council will plan and design a new bypass road bridge to remove all traffic off Chetwynd Bridge. It will then become a pedestrian bridge.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Mark Deaville said:
Chetwynd Bridge is listed and a historic asset to the area, both Staffordshire and neighbouring Derbyshire. Our highways team has done a fantastic job on its full restoration – recognised by industry awards – ensuring it is safe and sympathetically preserved for future generations.
As a 200-year-old bridge it was not designed for today’s traffic and as ironwork deteriorated it was necessary to implement both weight and width restrictions. Without them the bridge would have to close as it would become unsafe.
Unfortunately, despite the signage and other repeated communication, heavy commercial vehicles are ignoring the limits and continuing to use the bridge. We’re urging them to please use alternative routes and may have to take enforcement action if the problem persists as closure would be detrimental to the wider community.
We’d like to thank drivers and businesses who are being responsible and supporting our efforts to protect the bridge and ensure it remains open.”