Platt Mill Bridge to close for essential repairs

Platt Mill Bridge, which carries the B4397 Baschurch to Ruyton-XI- Towns road over the River Perry, is expected to be closed to traffic for approximately three to four weeks during the school summer holidays to enable essential repairs to be carried out.

In January 2011, traffic lights were erected at the bridge on an emergency basis after part of an adjacent roadside retaining wall was found to be leaning heavily.

The design of a scheme to repair and strengthen the retaining wall is currently underway and, subject to it being granted listed building consent, it is proposed to start construction work in either late July or early August 2011.

Unfortunately, because of the narrow nature of the bridge, it will be necessary to close it to traffic in order to carry out part of the proposed work safely.  It is proposed that the rest of the work will then be carried out with the bridge open under traffic light control.

Whilst it is not yet possible to confirm exactly how long the bridge will need to be closed for, it is estimated that it is likely to be three to four weeks.

When the bridge is closed, it is proposed to divert traffic via Whittington, Ellesmere and Burlton.

Access over the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available throughout the proposed work.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and IT, said:

“It is appreciated that the closure of the bridge will cause significant inconvenience and every reasonable effort will be made to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.  The closure has been chosen to coincide with the school holidays to avoid impacting on school traffic.”

Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Councillor for Ruyton-XI-Towns and Baschurch division, said:

“It is extremely unfortunate that this necessary work will have to be undertaken to this historic bridge.  I am confident that Shropshire Council staff will do all they can to minimise disruption to residents whilst the work is being carried out.”

For further information about this road closure, people should call 0345 678 9006.

Click here for information about road closures across the county.