Posted on Thursday 6th February 2025
Works to strengthen Branston Bridge will begin on Tuesday 11 February.
The works to the 186-year-old structure will involve building a concrete saddle reinforced with fibres to strengthen the bridge.
These repairs mean it can be fully reopened to two-way traffic, including full weight 44 tonne vehicles that have permitted access.
The work will also include additional waterproofing to the concrete saddle to reduce the risk of water causing further deterioration to the brick arch.
Weather permitting, it should take 15 weeks to complete the works.
Staffordshire County Council is funding the repairs, which will cost around £500,000 and last 10-15 years, allowing time for any plans for a replacement bridge to be developed.
It comes after nearly 500 people turned out for an exhibition showing how Staffordshire County Council will address the issues with Branston Bridge.
The Victorian bridge has been shut since before Christmas, following non-compliance with a weight restriction placed on the bridge due to structural issues.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Mark Deaville said:
“After holding a very successful engagement event on Tuesday, our engineers have been working hard to gain the necessary permissions from Network Rail to start the work.
“This is an incredibly complex issue, and it has taken time to come up with an appropriate solution that allows the bridge to be open to traffic while also protecting the structure. Now, we can get cracking with the repairs, which, weather permitting, should take around 15 weeks to complete. Once completed, this solution will last around 10 to 15 years.
“Of course, the best solution for this bridge will be to install a brand-new structure. As county councils are not funded to deliver high-cost infrastructure, we will continue to lobby central government for the £20-£30 million it would cost for a new bridge.”
More information can be found at the Branston Bridge website.