Posted on Friday 7th March 2025
Work is progressing well on Branston Bridge, with the first strip being excavated ready to start creating the concrete saddle.
However, service pipes and cables have been discovered in the structure in locations that were not expected, some of which will need to be diverted.
Crews are working hard with the various utility companies to ensure this work is done as quickly as possible, to minimise the impact this will have on the closure and any impact to the delivery schedule.
Once affected services are accounted for and diverted, crews can carry on with excavating further strips of the bridge, improve drainage, and start pouring concrete to create the saddle.
The works, which are funded by Staffordshire County Council and are costing over £500,000. Once completed, they should last 10-15 years, allowing time for any plans for a replacement bridge to be developed.
These repairs mean it can be fully reopened to two-way traffic, including full weight 44 tonne vehicles that have permitted access.
Pedestrian and cyclist access is being maintained throughout the works, but cyclists will have to dismount to cross the bridge.
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Mark Deaville said:
“Although we surveyed the bridge extensively before crews started work, there is never any guarantee of what you’re working with until you start excavating. Crews were expecting to find underground services, but typical of a scheme of this nature, the location and number can vary which has meant they’ve had to liaise closely with the utility companies to divert affected services.
“They’re pulling out all the stops to ensure that this has a minimal impact on the progress of the overall programme, as we know people in Branston want the bridge reopened as soon as possible – as we do. Crews have been working hard over last weekend so that we can carry on with this all-important strengthening project.”
More information about the works can be found on the county council’s website.