This week of one our listed bridges, Gunnislake Newbridge, is closed for repairs from 9.30am to 3.30pm daily, Monday to Friday and road users will be asked to use an alternative route.
Gunnislake Newbridge was built circa 1520, with sections rebuilt in 1773.
Work started today, Monday September 2, and we are aiming for it to be completed on Friday, September 6.
It follows our engineers discovering a hole in one of the piers in April – the damage is thought to have been caused by debris, such as loose trees, being swept down river following flooding and colliding with the bridge.
Engineers carried out temporary repairs in April but could not carry put permanent repairs because of the high-water level, underwater debris and submerged trees – one of which was 17m long.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management said:
“Now that the debris and most of the trees have been removed and the water level has lowered specialist divers and contractors are able to carry out a full underwater inspection and make the repairs.
“This will include adding steel nosings to the piers to protect this Listed and Historic structure against future impacts.
“During the closure we will take the opportunity to also carry out patching work to the road surface at each end of the bridge, clear vegetation from the bridge elevations, and extract the last remaining sunken tree against the bridge piers thereby avoiding the need for another closure at a later date.
“To keep disruption to a minimum we are restricting the closure times to 9.30am to 3.30pm daily.
“We are sorry for the inconvenience, unfortunately the road closure is unavoidable and to leave the bridge open during work hours would not be safe.
“We will reopen the bridge once it is safe to do so.”
The official diversion route will be signed.