Temporary safety measures are being introduced at Brixton Road Station Bridge near Elburton in order to protect the structure.
A routine structural assessment has indicated that the bridge, (which carries the A379), is not currently able to take the weight of two HGVs at once.
To ensure HGVs do not cross the bridge at the same time, we will be introducing a new road layout and speed restriction from Wednesday 3 April. The approaches to the bridge will be narrowed to reduce the width of the road and the speed limit will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph.
Work to introduce the changes is expected to take two days using temporary traffic lights outside of peak hours.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“We’ve explored all options when considering what temporary measures to introduce here. We need to protect the bridge and safety of road users, while minimising disruption to those who travel on this route. While HGVs will be limited to accessing the bridge one at a time, other users shouldn’t be impacted.”
Devon County Council Leader John Hart and County Councillor for Bickleigh and Wembury, said:
“We appreciate the new layout and speed restriction is not ideal, but they are necessary. The alternatives are implementing a weight restriction on the bridge or installing permanent two-way lights which have all been considered but are less favourable. It is imperative that HGVs follow the signs at the site. These new restrictions will only be temporary while scheme designs are drawn up to either strengthen or replace the structure as a priority in the near future.”
We will continue to monitor the structure and vehicle movements and will introduce further measures if necessary.