Weight limit on bridge could be lifted

The Llanymynech Station bridge, which takes the B4398 over the disused track in the village near Oswestry, had a 7.5 tonne weight restriction imposed on in 2011 after concerns that temporary props under the bridge could collapse.

A permanent propping system was put in last year and now Shropshire Council is planning to removed the weight limit, replacing it with an 18 tonne restriction.

If agreed it would mean larger lorries could use the road, which connects Llanymynech with Knockin and onto Shrewsbury.

The bridge belongs to Highways England Historical Railways Estate, formerly the Rail Property Board.

A spokesman for the council's traffic engineering department said: "The current 7.5 tonne weight restriction imposed in 2011 was a ‘semi-permanent’ weight restriction due to concerns that the temporary propping system underneath the structure was in very poor condition and on the verge of failure.

"It was replaced by a permanent propping system in April 2016 to meet legislation for load carrying capacity.

Shropshire council is consulting with the public about the plans and anyone who wants to object should do so by September 12. The details of the proposed changes are available at the Shirehall, Oswestry Library on shropshire.gov.uk/traffic.

"The bridge was re-assessed by our consultants in September 2016 and found to be adequate for 18 tonnes load carrying capacity on the proviso that the road surfacing is maintained in a ‘good condition’ and the HGV traffic levels remain at ‘medium’ traffic flow.

"There are still some concerns about the assessed capacity of the original cast iron beam members and therefore it is proposed that the current weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes will be relaxed to 18 tonnes to allow larger vehicles access over the bridge."