THE BIDFORD-on-Avon Bridge is still closed to all vehicles after an Uber taxi became lodged there on Saturday, causing significant structural damage.
The vehicle struck the inner side of the bridge, on the B4085 Honeybourne Road before becoming jammed. It damaged the parapet and cutwater which form part of the bridge’s support structure.
The bridge is shut while engineers assess the damage and then organise a programme of repairs.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 3324001MMR3Scaffolding has been put up to enable a closer inspection of the stone to assess the damage and the timescale for the repairs will be published once that has been completed. It will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.
Drivers wishing to access the village’s businesses are advised car parks are available to the south (Big Meadow) and north (Saxon Fields) of the bridge. Both are within a short walk to the village.
As a result of the closure, National Grid has deferred resurfacing work at Binton Bridge in Welford-on-Avon to offer motorists a diversion using Barton Road.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 3324001MMR4Coun Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “I’m very grateful to the county council officers who worked with the police over the weekend to stop any other vehicles from trying to use the bridge.
“It was very quickly sealed off, preventing any additional damage to the structure while its bearing capacity is compromised.
“Unfortunately, we don’t yet know when the bridge will reopen. In the meantime, I would ask drivers to please bear with us and follow the signed diversions.
“We fully understand the inconvenience this will bring, and we will do all we can to ensure the bridge is safely reopened as soon as possible.
“I’d also like to extend our thanks to National Grid which deferred work at Welford to allow us to use the road by Binton Bridge as a diversion.”
Picture by Marcus Mingins 3324001MMR1Click here for further updates.
