Ludlow’s troubled bridge over water could be shut for months
Thursday 6th January 2011, 10:58AM GMT.
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One of the main routes into Ludlow could be blocked for up to four months after falling stonework led to the closure of a 300-year-old bridge.
Ludford Bridge, which carries the B4361 into Ludlow, was closed on Tuesday night to traffic and pedestrians after a section of a parapet fell into the River Teme.
The bridge has now reopened for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists, with a section fenced off, but following an inspection yesterday Shropshire Council engineers said it could be shut to traffic for three to four months.
John Williams, structures team leader for the council, said: “Part of the stone wall on the downstream side has fallen into the river leaving the guts of the bridge exposed. The bridge was closed to traffic and pedestrians until we could assess the situation in detail.
“We are reopening the bridge to pedestrians but the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic until a proper repair can be carried out.”
Mr Williams said he estimated this would be for three to four months. A plan for the repairs will have to be submitted to English Heritage.
Meanwhile, the Grade II listed Aberbechan Bridge near Newtown was closed to traffic today after cracks were noticed in the structure. Powys County Council said work would take months to complete.
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Oh dear. Hopefully Shropshire Council will revisit the decision to close King St at the end of February?
I daren’t imagine the consequences for trade in the town of both routes are closed at the same time.
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A very regrettable state of affairs, especially for those on the south side of the bridge now prevented from gaining vehicular access to Ludlow for a prolonged period of time. That apart, given the age of the bridge, I’m surprised this hasn’t happened sooner, even if the stonework collapse is being attributed to the recent bad weather. From personal experience – when going to the Charlton Arms or to St.Giles’s Church, Ludford, far too many HGVs have been using it, whether legally or illegally. I’m not sure if there is a weight limit on it, but if not there should be; if there is, it isn’t being observed.
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I feel this bridge will need major structural repair. It should have been classified as a ‘weak bridge’.
Will there be a designated parking area on the south side for those wishing to walk in and avoid the upcoming traffic jams?
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The “spandrel” walls above the other arches to the bridge on both the downstream and upstream sides are apparently in very poor condition as well.
We were told that if more extensive areas of stonework need rebuilding, the bridge could remain closed for two years or more.
The contractors who are repairing the bridge have an unenviable job. The recent rain has left the river looking very angry and the workmen face a nightmare job suspended above the raging waters to gain access to the damaged stonework. There is no quick fix to this work.
When popping in and out of town, we usually crossed Ludford bridge. The collapse has added several miles to our journey, with detours taking us along windy narrow lanes that cannot cope with the extra traffic.
All we can be is careful and patient.
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