A highway authority has warned that a historic Grade II listed bridge will remain closed following a vehicle collision that caused structural damage.
Gloucester County Council said a vehicle collided with the Halfpenny Bridge on the A361 in Lechlade-on-Thames in the early hours of Tuesday (20 June), causing significant damage to the wall of the bridge.
Following inspection, engineers have assessed that the damage has left the bridge structurally compromised and it cannot be opened to traffic on safety grounds.
The council said it is however safe to open to pedestrians and cyclists currently and as any repair work is carried out. The River Thames beneath the bridge and the footpath alongside the river will remain open.
As well as being Grade II listed, Halfpenny Bridge, which was built in 1792, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means any repairs to the bridge need to be agreed with Heritage England and be in keeping with the original bridge.
The council said that, given the special status of the bridge and the likely complexity of the repair, it is not currently known when the road will be able to be opened to traffic.
Dom Morris, cabinet member responsible for highways at Gloucestershire County Council and a local councillor for the area, said: ‘We will work closely with partner agencies throughout the repair process and will carry out the work as quickly as possible.
‘I would like to apologise to residents and businesses for the inconvenience caused by this closure and appreciate their patience.’
The council said it will continue to engage with the Environment Agency, Lechlade-on-Thames Town Council and local community groups throughout the work.
Halfpenny Bridge: Road closed after Lechlade bridge crash https://t.co/2ABoqRnMao pic.twitter.com/H91wIPfnPG
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