TWO local MPs are hoping a new initiative will help resolve long term concerns surrounding an historic bridge near Lichfield.
The Government has unveiled a new Structures Fund which aims to refresh crumbling transport structures.
Councils will be able to bid for money to repair bridges, flyovers and tunnels they cannot afford to fix alone.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Crumbling bridges and worn-out flyovers have been patched up rather than properly fixed for far too long, leading to frustrating weight limits and lengthy diversions.
“Every closed bridge is a barrier to growth – a blocked route to work, a delayed delivery, a family unable to reach the services they depend on.
“Councils have known what needs fixing for years but simply haven’t had the resources to act. We’re changing that, making sure structures are repaired properly, so people can live in properly connected communities.”
Local politicians are hopeful that the funding will resolve long-standing problems linked to Chetwynd Bridge at Alrewas.
Lichfield MP Dave Robertson said:
“The announcement of the new Structures Fund is very welcome.
“Chetwynd Bridge is a major concern for communities across our constituency – and it’s clear a replacement is needed.
“I’ve been in discussions with ministers to ensure the fund can support replacement projects like this, so today’s news is a positive step.
“With the fund now open, the county council can prepare a bid. If it’s successful, we can secure the investment needed to deliver a modern, fit‑for‑purpose replacement bridge.”
Barriers have been put in place on Chetwynd Bridge to help enforce weight and width limits following restoration work.
But Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards has warned the lack of a suitable alternative route for modern vehicles has been a huge concern for local communities.
She said:
“The current situation at Chetwynd Bridge is leaving local farmers facing round trips of up to 25 miles just to access their fields.
“This is also having a significant impact on the road haulage sector, which plays a vital role in supporting jobs and driving economic growth.
“I have raised this issue with the Prime Minister and have been working closely with ministers to identify practical solutions and am continuing to press for a solution to be delivered through the Structures Fund.”
Council are being asked to submit initial proposals by 19th June ahead of a final deadline in August.
Funding decisions are expected later this year, with all successful schemes needing to be completed by March 2030.
Cllr Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said work had already taken place in a bid to fund work to resolve issues at Chetwynd Bridge:
“We have already completed the design for Chetwynd Bridge and are ready to mobilise quickly to the delivery programme. We estimate that the project will cost around £27million.
“This scheme represents a vital investment in both infrastructure and heritage, ensuring safe and reliable access to the National Memorial Arboretum and supporting the wider local and regional economy.
“We believe it aligns with national priorities around infrastructure renewal, heritage preservation and support for places of national significance.”
While welcoming the investment, county council also reiterated calls for a national long-term fund for structures.
Cllr Mason added:
“We have more than 500 structures in Staffordshire that are over 100 years old – we need to ensure we manage and mitigate the current risks and seek the necessary support to address these before they become an issue.
“This all comes at a cost, and under current funding levels it would take more than 500 years to repair them all.
“So, while we will certainly be bidding for this fund, we will continue to lobby Government to properly fund our roads and structures.”
