Bridge shut for repair could reopen within weeks

Work to repair a bridge in Staffordshire which has been shut for six months could be completed within weeks, according to the local authority.

Branston Bridge near Burton-on-Trent was closed for safety reasons after some lorry drivers ignored weight restrictions, causing structural issues.

Staffordshire County Council said work was progressing well on repairing the bridge – parts of which are more than 186 years old – but there had been unexpected delays.

They said some services had to be diverted, replaced or worked around, meaning the work programme had to be extended.

Completion is currently scheduled for 10 July, but this may change if other issues are found with the bridge or if weather conditions slow things down.

"When excavating for the works, and at the crown of the bridge, the crew are working with only a few courses of old bricks between them and the live railway below," said Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways on the Reform UK-controlled authority.

"It is important that they ensure they allow concrete to cure and strengthen fully as each stage of the works progress, and one reason why these works are perceived to be taking time to complete.

"We will not put pressure on crews to take unnecessary risks just for a speedy outcome."

He added: "Although the weather has been kind so far, this is another factor that could result in the work having to continue beyond 10 July.

"On the other hand, if we don't encounter any more issues, work could finish ahead of schedule."

Crews are beginning installation of a concrete saddle to reinforce the bridge.

After the concrete has reached the required strength, work would begin to install temporary s for a live water main, they said.

Once the final layer of concrete has been cast, drainage will be installed at each end, kerbing and paving laid, brickwork repointed and the road resurfaced.

Monitoring equipment which has been recording the movement of the structure would continue, the council said.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.