Signs scheme for Ludford Bridge to stop lorry damage

Traffic calming measures and signs are to be introduced to stop lorries from using Ludlow's ancient Ludford Bridge, as steps are taken to protect it and reduce traffic volume.

The bridge is more than 300 years old and has been struck by HGVs a number of times in recent years.

Signs will be put on the A49 and traffic calming measures set up on Bromfield Road to the north of the town and Overton Road to the south to discourage lorry drivers from using the route.The scheme is set to cost £110,000.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, is due to meet representatives of Ludlow Town Council and Ludford, Richards Castle and Ashford Carbonell parish councils at the bridge this afternoon to discuss the plans and traffic light timings.

The project is being developed by Shropshire Council. It is hoped work will be done in the 2012/13 financial year.

In January sections of masonry on the bridge fell into the River Teme in freezing weather, and Councillor Taylor-Smith said it was necessary to look at all options to preserve the bridge.

He said: "On a few occasions every 18 months HGVs have hit the bridge and damaged the parapets trying to turn the sharp corner on the Ludlow side of the bridge. We are looking at a project involving traffic calming measures and lots of signage to keep HGVs away from the area."

No-one from the Highways Agency was available to comment.