Shipton Bridge repairs disrupted by the weather
Shipton Bridge, which carries the B4368 Shipton to Morville road over the River Corve near Shipton, is expected to remain closed to traffic until mid-October 2012.
The bridge was initially closed to traffic on 20 August 2012 for six weeks to enable essential structural repairs to be carried out to it.
The work has involved taking down and reconstructing part of the bridge’s arch barrel, a process that involves working down at just above normal river level.
Unfortunately, because of heavy rain, progress on the scheme has been hindered by higher than normal river levels. This has been particularly the case this week, with Monday’s heavy rain having left the working area submerged all week.
Because of the weather-related delays, it is now estimated that the bridge is likely to have to remain closed to traffic until sometime during the week commencing Monday 15 October 2012.
Until the bridge reopens, light vehicles will continue to be diverted via Weston Lane, which is subject to a temporary 7.5 tonnes weight restriction.
Vehicles heavier than 7.5 tonnes will continue to be diverted along the A458 and B4378 roads via Much Wenlock.
Access over the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will continue to remain available.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said:
‘‘It is regrettable that the reopening of the bridge has had to be delayed, but I hope that people will understand that it’s for reasons that are outside our control. It is appreciated that the continued bridge closure will cause some inconvenience, and everyone involved in the work will do all that they reasonably can to reopen it as soon as possible.”
Milner Whiteman, local Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said:
“It is most unfortunate that we are having this further delay, which will cause continuing frustration for people living in the area. It is of course due to the awful weather we have had, and we can only hope that this improves from now on.”
