Closure of Clun Bridge

Clun Bridge, which carries the A488 road over the River Clun in Clun, will be closed to traffic from Monday 9 May 2011 for up to three weeks to enable essential repairs to be carried out.

The repairs will involve taking down and rebuilding parts of two of the bridge’s stone masonry cut-waters, which are currently bulging heavily.  The bulging is thought to be a consequence of the severe frost experienced over the last two winters.

The road closure is proposed for safety reasons, because the removal of the bulging masonry will leave the edge of the road over the bridge temporarily unsupported.

Until the damaged areas of masonry have been taken down, the stability of the material behind them cannot be fully assessed.  At present, it is therefore difficult to confirm exactly how long the bridge will need to remain closed to traffic.  Although engineers are predicting a maximum closure period of three weeks, it may prove possible to reopen the bridge earlier and all involved will endeavour to do so if possible.

When the bridge is closed, through traffic will be intercepted remote from Clun and diverted along the A4113 and B4385 roads via Leintwardine, Hoptonheath, Purslow and Lydbury North.  In addition, a local diversion will be signed via Bicton and Whitcott Evan.

Access over the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available at all times.

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

“It is appreciated that the closure of the bridge to traffic will cause significant inconvenience and every reasonable effort will be made to reopen it as soon as possible.  This will include the contractor working a seven-day week during the closure period.”