Posted on Friday 29th November 2024
Engineers in Staffordshire are working round the clock to put together a solution for Branston Bridge.
The 185-year-old bridge had to close last week for safety reasons, due to lorry drivers flouting vehicle width and weight restrictions.
After a further night-time rail possession last weekend to carry out ongoing inspections and monitoring of the bridge, a plan is now being put together to repair a damaged parapet.
It is hoped that once the necessary permissions are gained from Network Rail and the parapet is repaired, the bridge will be able to reopen before Christmas with weight and enhanced width restrictions still in place.
Extra signage will also be in place in a number of locations to remind HGVs of restrictions currently in place on the bridge.
In the longer term, engineers are working on bigger plans to repair and reinforce the bridge so the current restrictions can be removed.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Mark Deaville said:
“Our engineers are working round the clock to put everything in place so we can get on site and fix the bridge. Our priority has to be the safety of everyone involved, which is why we took the difficult decision to close the bridge in the first place. Now, we are looking to open it back up—with restrictions—before Christmas. However, this will also depend on HGVs and other large vehicles obeying the restrictions in place to prevent further damage to the structure.”
County council engineers and councillors have also met with local MP Jacob Collier, to work together on a longer-term solution for Branston Bridge and gain the necessary funding.
Mark said:
“It’s in everyone’s interest that we get this bridge open, and formulate a long-lasting solution to the issue. I’m pleased to be working with Jacob on this issue, as he can help us to lobby government for the funding necessary to get this bridge repaired in the long term.”
Jacob Collier MP said:
“The closure of Branston Railway Bridge to vehicles is of great concern to local residents and businesses. As a major route in and out of Burton it needs to reopen safely as soon as possible.
“Working with Staffordshire County Council and other stakeholders I will continue to do everything I can to ensure this issue is raised at the highest level and I have already spoken to ministers about this and raised it in the House of Commons.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with others for a future permanent solution for the Bridge."