Walkmill Bridge in Market Drayton and Clun Bridge, which carries the A488 road over the River Clun in Clun, will be closed to traffic from this morning.

Work on Walkmill Bridge is necessary following damage to the bridge when a vehicle demolished most of its eastern parapet in November last year.

Work programmed will involve removing the concrete blockwork and replacing it with sandstone masonry which will be in keeping with the rest of the bridge, which is a listed building.

When the bridge is closed, traffic will be diverted via Sutton and The Four Alls.

Work on the Clun Bridge will involve taking down and rebuilding parts of two of the bridge’s stone masonry cut-waters, which are currently bulging heavily. The bulging is thought to be a consequence of the severe frost experienced over the last two winters.

When the bridge is closed, through traffic will be intercepted remote from Clun and diverted along the A4113 and B4385 roads via Leintwardine, Hoptonheath, Purslow and Lydbury North. In addition, a local diversion will be signed via Bicton and Whitcott Evan.

Access over both bridges for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available at all times.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and IT, said:

“It is appreciated that the closure of the bridge to traffic will cause significant inconvenience and every reasonable effort will be made to reopen it as soon as possible. This will include the contractor working a seven-day week during the closure period.”