RESCHEDULED works to restore Bidford Bridge have begun.
The essential restoration works began on Monday (March 16) and are expected to last for around six months. Weather conditions, flooding, and additional stone replacement, could impact progress however, leading to a delay in the intended completion date of late September.
An initial two week off-peak road closure from 9.30am to 3.30pm to vehicles is taking place, to enable the installation of access scaffolding. Pedestrian crossings will be maintained at all times during this closure, with cyclists instructed to dismount on crossings.
This jointly funded venture between Warwickshire County Council and the Department for Transport’s Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund aims to preserve some of the most significant heritage bridges in the region.
The vital works to be carried out under the Historic Bridge Maintenance Programme include refacing and replacement of weathered spandrel and arch stones, repointing of open mortar joints and reinforcement of cutwaters
The planned scheme prioritizes the most critical areas of the structure based on condition surveys.
Bidford River Bridge, a Grade I listed structure and Scheduled Ancient Monument, is one of the eight key heritage assets selected for specialist conservation works. The bridge is a historically significant crossing of the River Avon, whose stone arches and cutwaters have endured natural weathering, increased traffic volume and significant cycles of flooding.
These conditions have led to the erosion of stone, damage to cutwaters on the upstream elevation, and mortar loss leading to a general deterioration.
This work, which was originally ue to begin on Monday February 16 but was postponed due to the high water levels on the River Avon, will ensure the structure remains safe, resilient, and preserved for future generations while continuing to support Warwickshire’s transport network.
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jennifer Warren said “We acknowledge the impact that these vital restoration works will have on residents local businesses, so have made sure that vehicles will be able to cross once the site has been set up, to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Bidford Bridge is more than just an integral part of the local transport network. It is part of the county’s heritage and needs to be maintained to preserve that.”
