Closure of Walkmill Bridge in Market Drayton

Walkmill Bridge in Market Drayton will be closed to traffic from Monday 9 May 2011 for up to a fortnight to enable repairs to be carried out.

The repairs are necessary as a result of severe accident damage caused to the bridge in November 2010 when vehicular impact demolished most of its eastern parapet.

Because most of the old parapet stone was damaged beyond re-use during the accident, the lead-in time required to have new stone cut to shape meant that it was not possible to carry out the permanent repair quickly.  A temporary repair was therefore carried out, using concrete blocks to enable the bridge to be reopened to traffic.

The work programmed to start on Monday 9 May will involve removing the concrete blockwork and replacing it with sandstone masonry which will be in keeping with the rest of the bridge, which is a listed building.

When the bridge is closed, traffic will be diverted via Sutton and The Four Alls.

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 may cause inconvenience and every reasonable effort will be made to reopen it as soon as possible.”