WORKS to restore Bidford Bridge have been delayed due to the bad weather.
The 15th century monument is undergoing major structural repair and stone renovation works over the next six months.
But the start date of the work, due to commence on Monday (February 16), has been postponed due to the high water levels on the River Avon.
Warwickshire County Council reported: “Following contact with project officers at the Avon Navigation Trust (who are providing vessel support to install the scaffolding within the river space) and Balfour Beatty (principal contractor working on behalf of WCC), there is to be a revised start date due to the detrimental weather and its subsequent effect on the River Avon.
“The River Avon’s level at this time is unlikely to fall to sufficient point that would support working vessels travelling to site. An assessment of the river level and its flow rate will be made on a weekly basis in an attempt to forecast the revised start date – it is currently one week later that anticipated, potentially now week commencing February 23, and again subject to review.”
Once work does commence, the bridge will be completely shut to traffic for two weeks with a signed diversion route in place to the south of Bidford, via the B4085 and use of the A46.
After that the bridge will be open for the next 26 weeks but WCC has warned motorists to expect delays. The road will then be closed completely for a further week at the end of the planned works.
Pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge while cyclists are instructed to dismount.
It is estimated that six months working time is required for the stone masons to dismantle and rebuild the cutwater faces and parapet at the Grade I listed bridge. The programme is reliant on suitable weather conditions.
It is the second time in as many years that Bidford Bridge has been shut. It was closed for almost five months in 2024 to allow for repair works following an accident which caused significant damage.
A taxi became wedged after crashing into the wall of the narrow bridge, damaging the parapet and leaving it structurally unsafe.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/major-transport-construction-projects/b4085-bidford-avon-river-bridge/3 for updates on the latest closure.
