Canal & River Trust provides update on repair plans for Brewood Bridge

Waterways charity Canal & River Trust is updating residents on plans to repair Brewood Bridge, an important historic structure and key access route for people travelling along Kiddemore Green Road and High Green. 

Built in 1830, Brewood Bridge crosses the Shropshire Union Canal and has been closed since December after its supporting walls and road surface were extensively damaged. Canal & River Trust is working with Severn Trent and Staffordshire County Council as part of its investigation into the cause of the damage to the bridge. 

The planned works will involve repairing the bridge and reinstating the road surface so it can safely reopen to traffic, with the aim of delivering a like‑for‑like repair that preserves the bridge’s heritage while ensuring its long‑term safety and reliability. 

The Trust has completed a detailed 3D survey of the bridge to inform the planning and design of the specialist repairs required to sensitively restore the structure. Design works are continuing and, once complete, will need to be approved by Staffordshire County Council. The canal and towpath remain open and repair work to the bridge is likely to begin over the summer with it expected to reopen to road traffic in late summer/early autumn. 

Henriette Breukelaar, director for the West Midlands at the Canal & River Trust, said: “Brewood Bridge is a well‑used route for people living and working in the area, and we’re sorry its closure continues to affect daily journeys for the local community. 

“Our engineers have now completed a detailed 3D survey which is helping us shape a repair plan that restores the structure safely while respecting its historic construction. 

“We’re working closely with Staffordshire County Council as the design progresses, and we remain committed to delivering a long‑term, sensitive repair that allows the bridge to reopen as soon as possible. 

“We recognise the importance of Brewood Bridge to local residents and businesses, and we would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding while our charity works to deliver a safe, resilient and heritage‑sensitive repair.” 

For more information on the work of Canal & River Trust including how you can donate money or volunteer with us please visit canalrivertrust.org.uk