Closure of Thistleford Bridge, Lee Brockhurst from 26 October

Thistleford Bridge between Lee Brockhurst and Aston will be closed to traffic from Wednesday 26 October 2011 to enable repair work on the bridge.

The repair work is due to last a week, to enable repairs to be carried out to the bridge parapet.  The work will involve taking down and rebuilding the parapet, which has been damaged recently by a vehicle impact.

When the road is closed, traffic will be diverted via Aston onto the B5063, then onto the A49 back up to Lee Brockhurst.

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

Steve Price, environment group manager said:

“We appreciate that the closure of this bridge will cause some inconvenience, in particular due to the distances involved for the diverted traffic.  However, unfortunately, due to the narrow nature of the bridge, it is not possible to carry out the proposed work safely without closing the bridge to traffic.”

Shropshire Councillor for Wem Rural, Chris Mellings said:

“I am sorry the bridge is having to be closed; I know this is an important link with Wem for local residents but it is the only way to safely repair it.  I hope residents will understand the need to do this and am sure the work will be carried out as quickly as possible to restore the link between Lee Brockhurst and Wem. This is a fine old bridge across the Roden and we need the repairs to be carried out.”

Every reasonable effort will be made to reopen the road as soon as possible.  We will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.