Traffic finally allowed back to use bridge

COUNCILLORS STILL PUSHING TO REPLACE HISTORIC BRIDGE

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS

BRANSTON Bridge has now finally reopened to traffic after extensive £500,000 repair works were completed.

The Victorian railway bridge had been closed for strengthening works and to address issues that have occurred due to its age, which is well beyond the 120-year expected design life of a bridge.

The works involved constructing a concrete saddle to span the structure, as well as waterproofing the bridge to reduce the risk of further deterioration to the brick arch.

It is hoped the repairs will last 15 years, but Staffordshire County Council says the only long-term solution is to build a new bridge, which could cost in the region of £30 million.