Drivers and residents are being advised of works planned this autumn to one of Northumberland’s historic bridges.
Chollerford Bridge, a Grade II listed structure, was built in 1785 by Robert Mylne after the previous bridge was swept away in the great floods of 1771.
Now, as part of the final year of the County Council’s Masonry Arch Refurbishment Programme, repairs will be carried out from October to preserve and improve the long term integrity of the bridge.
The works involve masonry repairs, repointing and resurfacing and are expected to take up to seven weeks to complete.
An off-peak road closure will take place between 9am and 3pm for around four weeks from October 9 which will include the school Autumn half term, to try and minimise the impact on road users and local businesses.
The road will be open to traffic outside these times.
Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be able to cross the bridge at all times during the works and will be escorted through by staff. Extra signage will be added on the C235, Homer’s Lane, to try and reduce any potential increase of traffic on this narrow road.
Back in 2015 Northumberland was one of only three authorities in the north east to be successful in its bid to Government for Challenge Funding, for one-off major infrastructure schemes.
It secured £6.7million to repair 130 masonry arch bridges, mainly across the rural north and west of the county and the scheme is now in its final year.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet member for Environment and Local Services, said: “Bridges form a vital part of our infrastructure and by investing in early intervention work we are able to avoid more expensive problems in the future.
“Chollerford Bridge is an iconic structure but at nearly 250 years old it’s in need of some care and attention to ensure it’s fit for future generations.
“Ensuring a high level of funding and work on our local roads is also part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth.”