'Road closure is having a considerable impact on our village' says Staffordshire councillor
A major repair programme is being developed for a shut canal bridge damaged by a burst water main in a Staffordshire village.
Following the emergency closure of the road over the bridge in Brewood at the end of November, highway teams from Staffordshire Council have been working closely with the owner Canal & River Trust and Severn Trent Water whilst options for repair of the structure, water main and sewer pipes are being worked out.
The Canal and River Trust bridge in Kiddemore Green Road and High Green has been damaged and is closed to traffic.
The timescale is still to be determined by the Trust and Severn Trent Water, which needs to carry out permanent repairs to the water main and sewerage pipe, while The Canal & River Trust will carry out structural repairs to the bridge.
The council will need to approve the repair plans for the bridge and will continue to hold regular triage project team meetings with both organisations and monitor progress.
Councillor Chris Large, ward representative for Brewood, said: "This is a major repair project for the Canal & River Trust working with Severn Trent Water and it will take some time.
"However, I’ve been assured that our highways team will monitor progress and press to ensure the repairs are carried out as quickly as possible.
"As a key route into Brewood from the west of the village, the road closure is having a considerable impact on the community, and I will continue to support residents in relaying their comments, concerns and enquiries to the project team.
"Part of their project plan will be regular community liaison which we look forward to.”
Councillor Daniel Cecil highways cabinet support member added: "This is a Canal & River Trust bridge and repair scheme, but however, as highway authority we will be granting the ongoing road closure based on the plans.
"While we are still waiting for final timescales we’re sure both partners will do all they can to get the work done as soon as they can.
"We will then be monitoring progress and ensuring people and businesses are kept up to date by the project team.”
Details of road closures, highways repairs and planning applications ca be found here: publicnoticeportal.uk
