Work on tractor-hit bridge on busy Shropshire A-road soon to be complete
A tractor crashed into a bridge by a level crossing on September 1 last year.
Months of disruption on a key A-road in Shropshire is due to end this weekend.
Temporary traffic lights have been in place on the A49 at Onibury - between Ludlow and Craven Arms - since a tractor crashed into a bridge by the level crossing on September 1 last year.
Police confirmed no one was injured in the incident near a level crossing, and no arrests were made.
At the time, National Highways said the crash caused “significant damage”, warning that the temporary traffic lights would be in place for several weeks until the bridge could be reopened.
A temporary footpath was also installed to maintain one lane of traffic across the bridge, with plans developed to repair the damage, including replacing the bridge parapets and edge beams.
National Highways said the temporary traffic system would remain in place while the repair plans were drawn up.
However, there seemed to be no end in sight, with the temporary measures still being at the bridge.
National Highways said it was a "complex project", and because of the unique nature of the bridge components, there were no "off-the-shelf" parts, meaning that everything had to be manufactured from scratch.
At the end of May, the authority said the work was expected to finish by August. However, South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson said he has received confirmation from National Highways that the repair work has now been completed, and the bridge will reopen this Saturday (July 25).
"I know how difficult this closure has been for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on this route every day," said Mr Anderson.
"Throughout this process, I've continued to press for updates and keep our community informed.
"A huge thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding while these essential repairs were carried out.
"I'd also like to thank National Highways and everyone involved in delivering the work and getting the bridge safely reopened.
"This is welcome news for south Shropshire. and I'm pleased to see this important route back open."
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