BIDFORD Bridge finally reopened to traffic this week – at a cost.
Repairs to the medieval bridge, which has been closed five months after being badly damaged by a crossing crop-sprayer, cost £150,000 more than originally estimated – coming in at £450,000.
A county spokeswoman said: “In line with our estimate of four to six months from point of incident, the project has required the extensive use of resources and staff time, undertaking the necessary operations to safely manage and maintain both the highways network and river Avon, as both a proactive and reactive service from start to finish.
“The structural repairs, management of the extensive diversion route, officers’ staff time accrued and operations in and around the river level and on the highways network accounts for approximately £450,000.”
The B4085 Honeybourne Road is one of the main roads in and out of the village and its closure forced motorists to take lengthy detours as well as hitting businesses on the riverside.
Bidford county councillor Mike Brain said: “I am extremely pleased the bridge is back open and that businesses in the village can hopefully return to normal.
“The county council and the team involved in repairing the damage should be congratulated for their workmanship and getting the job done as scheduled.”
But villagers will have to put up with another temporary closure of the bridge over the Avon from November 18 to 20 from 10am to 3pm while bollards are installed. Motorists will again be diverted via Welford on Avon and Barton.
