Repairs to Aston Bridge near Wem

Aston Bridge, which is a listed structure and carries the Lee Brockhurst to Wem road over the River Roden near Wem, is to be closed to traffic for up to eight weeks starting on Tuesday 6 May 2014 to enable urgent repairs to be carried out to it. 

The proposed repairs will involve taking down and rebuilding the bridge’s eastern parapet and spandrel walls, which are currently leaning heavily.  The bridge’s western parapet wall will also be taken down and rebuilt, and masonry repairs will be carried out to the bridge’s abutment walls. 

Unfortunately, because of the narrow nature of the bridge, it is necessary to close the bridge to traffic to carry out the proposed work safely. 

When the bridge is closed, it is proposed to divert traffic to and from Wem via Barkers Green, Shawbury Road and Mill Street. However, drivers need to be aware that the headroom available under the railway bridge on Mill Street is limited to 4.4 metres (14 foot 6 inches). 

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

The repair work will be carried out by Shropshire Council’s term contract contractor, Ringway. 

Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said: 

‘‘This is essential work which needs to be carried out to enable this historic bridge to continue to remain open to traffic. 

‘‘It is appreciated that closing the bridge will cause some disruption, and everyone involved in the repair will do all that they reasonably can to reopen it as soon as possible.”

Chris Mellings, a local Shropshire Councillor for Wem, said:

“This is an historic bridge of great character.  We have been concerned for some time about its state, and welcome the fact that repairs are going to be carried out to it. 

“Clearly it will bring some disruption whilst it is closed, but I hope local residents understand the need for the work, to ensure it can continue to be used in the future.”

Pauline Dee, also a local Shropshire Councillor for Wem, said:-

“I am very pleased that there is to be investment in making this bridge safe, and hope the residents will not be too inconvenienced whilst the work takes place.”