An eight-month project to restore an historic bridge near Lichfield has begun.
The Chetwynd Bridge at Alrewas is 200 years old, but the ironwork structure has begun to deteriorate.
An 18-tonne weight restriction is being placed on the Grade II Listed bridge as restoration work takes places.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr David Williams, said:
“Chetwynd Bridge is listed and a historic asset to people in Staffordshire. It has been in need of repair for some time and we’re now starting a programme of works to ensure it is safe to use and in keeping with its historic status.
“We want to keep local communities informed as we carry out the works which includes what we can and cannot do in terms of bridge access.
“The bridge has now had an independent structural assessment check which has indicated the need for a weight restriction. This should however exempt emergency vehicles and essential services.
“We do of course understand this will place an inconvenience on local residents, but we cannot compromise safety.”
Cllr David Williams, Staffordshire County Council
Cllr Williams said longer term plans would look to restrict usage of the historic crossing.
“The county council is planning to remove all vehicular traffic from Chetwynd Bridge and put it onto the new bypass road bridge.
“This will transform Chetwynd Bridge into a cycle and pedestrian route and preserve it for future generations.”
Cllr David Williams, Staffordshire County Council
