Bickleigh bridge work to be brought forward a week

Urgent repairs on Bickleigh Bridge next month are being brought forward a week.

The work, to install new protective kerbstones at Bickleigh Bridge in Mid Devon will now commence on Tuesday April 6.

The change in dates follows the government's easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The A396 will be closed at Bickleigh Bridge from Tuesday 6 April to Friday 9 April, while the “anti-climb” kerbs on the approach to the Grade II listed structure are replaced.

The specially designed kerbs, which were first introduced at the bridge in 2009, help guide larger vehicles safely over the bridge to prevent collisions with the ancient structure.

They have successfully reduced the amount of times the bridge has been struck by vehicles. However, the kerbstones now need to be replaced as they have sustained severe damage over the years and in their current condition larger vehicles can easily mount them and potentially damage the bridge.

Due to the narrow width of the bridge, the bridge needs to be fully closed to enable the work to be carried out safely. The approaches south of the A3072 junction up to the bridge will also be closed while the repairs are undertaken.

A signed diversion will be in place via the A3072 to Crediton through Lords Meadow to Tesco Roundabout, to the A377, to Cowley Bridge and A396 to Bickleigh.