Drivers and residents are being warned that Longdon upon Tern bridge will be closed to motor traffic while essential repairs and safety improvements are carried out. The scheme, which starts on Friday 31 July, follows damage to the bridge's south parapet caused by a vehicle collision and subsequent inspections that identified other structural defects.
Work to deliver lasting safety improvements
The council says the project will not only fix the immediate damage but also install a new traffic layout designed to make the crossing safer for pedestrians. The changes include permanent traffic signals, a controlled pedestrian crossing and upgrades to the footpaths across the bridge. Access for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians will be maintained when it is safe to do so, but motorists should expect the bridge to remain closed for the duration of the works.
Completion is scheduled for Saturday 3 October, subject to favourable weather and the absence of further unexpected structural issues. During the closure the council has put in place an official diversion route for through traffic which will be signed via the A442 through Crudgington and Shawbirch. To reduce the risk of rat-running through nearby residential streets, Long Lane will be limited to residents' access only.
"What began as a project to repair damage caused by a vehicle collision has become an opportunity to deliver lasting benefits for the local community," said Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing.
The council says it responded to residents' support for the earlier temporary traffic signals and worked with Rodington Parish Council to develop the enhanced scheme. Specialist stonemasons will rebuild the damaged south parapet using traditional conservation techniques to retain the bridge's historic character.
Heritage and safety considerations
Longdon Bridge is a Grade II listed structure dating from 1812, with its original design approved by Thomas Telford. Because of its heritage status, the repair work will involve conservation-led methods rather than standard replacement, and stonework will be carefully reconstructed to preserve the bridge's historic appearance.
- Start of works: Friday 31 July
- Expected completion: Saturday 3 October (weather and structural findings permitting)
- Motorists: bridge closed; official diversion via the A442 through Crudgington and Shawbirch
- Pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians: access maintained when safe
- Local impact: Long Lane restricted to residents' access only to discourage through traffic
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for works | Collision damage to south parapet and further structural defects |
| Key safety features | Permanent traffic signals, controlled pedestrian crossing, footpath improvements |
| Heritage status | Grade II listed; original design approved by Thomas Telford (1812) |
For residents and road users, the closure will mean planning alternative routes for journeys while the bridge is out of use. The council has said the diversion will be clearly signed and that measures are in place to prevent heavy or through-traffic from diverting onto small residential lanes.
While the programme has an anticipated end date, the council's timescale is contingent on weather conditions and the results of ongoing structural investigations. Any further delays or changes to traffic management arrangements will be announced by the council in due course.
The combination of conservation repair work and permanent road-safety upgrades is intended to protect an important local landmark while addressing concerns raised by the community during earlier temporary arrangements. The bridge's historic fabric will be repaired using specialist skills to ensure its character is retained for future generations.
