Platt Mill Bridge to close for repairs

Platt Mill Bridge, which carries the B4397 Baschurch to Ruyton-XI-Towns road over the River Perry, is to be closed to traffic on 13 August 2011 for two to three weeks for essential repairs.

Provided that the weather is good, the closure period is only expected to last for a fortnight.  However, as the repair work will be weather sensitive, it may take longer in the event of bad weather.

In January 2011 traffic lights were erected at the bridge on an emergency basis after part of its north-western wing wall was found to be leaning heavily.

Unfortunately, because of the narrow nature of the bridge, it is necessary to close it to traffic to repair of part of the leaning wing wall.

During the bridge closure period, the contractor carrying out the repair will be working a 12-hour day, seven days a week.

When the bridge is closed, traffic will be diverted via Whittington, Ellesmere and Burlton.

Although it is only proposed to close the road for a period of two to three weeks starting on 13 August, the overall repair is scheduled to start in mid-July 2011 and is expected to last for a period of about eight weeks.  With the exception of the closure period, the existing traffic lights will continue to operate at the bridge until the repair work is complete.

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

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport, said:

“It is appreciated that the closure of the bridge will cause significant inconvenience and every reasonable effort will be made to reopen it as soon as possible.  The closure has been chosen to avoid impacting on school traffic and the summer harvest season.”

Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Councillor for Ruyton and Baschurch, said:

“It is most unfortunate that these necessary repairs will have to be carried out.  I am pleased that the contractors will be working extended hours to minimise the time needed to carry out the works.  I am pleased that Shropshire Council is doing everything it can to minimise disruption to local residents and businesses during this time.”