Seven-week closure of south Shropshire A-road planned - with 21-mile diversion in place

An A-road in south Shropshire will soon be closed for seven weeks as bridge maintenance work gets underway.

The A488 at New Invention, between Clun and Knighton, will be closed from August 3 to September 18 for maintenance work on New Invention Bridge.

Shropshire Council said a full road closure is required for the duration of the works due to the “narrow nature” of the A488.

While work is underway, the road will be closed from Five Turnings to Rockhill.

A signed 21.5-mile diversion route will be in place throughout the closure, pointing drivers through Clun and along the B4367 through Bedstone.

Shropshire Council said additional HGV signage will be in place through the Clun area and, during the early stages of the scheme, gatemen will be present at the closure points to assist with access arrangements.

Access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists across the bridge will not be available during the first phase of the works, and access to properties will be maintained up to the bridge closure.

Phase 1 - from August 3 to August 18 - will involve the removal of the carriageway surfacing and footpath from the bridge deck. The bridge deck slab will then be assessed, with any necessary concrete repairs undertaken, followed by waterproofing works.

Once complete, the carriageway and footpaths will be reinstated. No vehicular traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during the first phase.

Phase 2 - from August 18 to September 3 - will involve work beneath the bridge, including bunding and diversion of the watercourse to facilitate a sequence of concrete repairs to the bridge soffit.

Due to the required curing periods and sequencing of the repairs, no vehicular traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during this phase.

Amendments to the plans will be displayed on warning signs and published on the One.Network website.

A spokesperson for Shropshire Council said: “We thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and understanding while these essential bridge maintenance works are undertaken.”