Clun Bridge to close for emergency repairs

Clun Bridge, which carries the A488 road over the River Clun in Clun, is to be closed to traffic on 24 March 2014 for up to three weeks to enable emergency repairs to be carried out to it.

The proposed work will involve taking down and rebuilding a 10 metre length of the bridge’s upstream parapet wall which was heavily damaged earlier this week [11 March 2014] as a result of vehicular impact.

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

When the bridge is closed, through traffic will be diverted along the B4385 and A4113 roads between Bishops Castle and Knighton via Little Brampton, Purslow and Leintwardine.

In addition, a more local diversion via Whitcott Keysett, will be signed for car traffic. Unfortunately, because of the narrow nature of this route, it is not suitable for use by lorries or other large vehicles.

Access over Clun Bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available throughout the proposed work and when the bridge is closed, businesses in Clun will remain open for business as usual.

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

“This is essential, safety related work which needs to be carried out at short notice to repair accident damage.

“It is appreciated that the bridge closure will cause some inconvenience and everyone involved in the repair will do all that they can to re-open the bridge as soon as possible. Weather permitting, the contractor will be working on the repair seven days a week.”