Aberbechan Bridge, near, Newtown, is shut after cracks spotted

A 150-year-old bridge in Mid Wales was today closed to traffic and pedestrians after cracks were spotted in the structure.

The cracks in Aberbechan Bridge, on the B4389, near Newtown, were noticed by Powys County Council workers, who also saw some stonework falling into the river below.

Council bosses closed the bridge yesterday afternoon and today said it was likely to remain shut "for months".

The recent cold weather has been blamed for the damage, with the council saying it is too early to tell how much repairs will cost.

It comes just days after the 300 year old Ludford Bridge in Ludlow was closed after chunks of masonry fell into the River Teme below. The bridge was closed on Tuesday and is also expected to remain shut for a number of months.

The B4389 near Newtown is popular with drivers keen to avoid miles of tailbacks entering the town due to problems with the new traffic lights system.

After the cracks were spotted, structural engineers were called in and ruled it was in a dangerous condition.

Powys County Council has now stepped in and announced the bridge, which was built in 1862, will be closed for "a number of months."

Lee Evans, county council spokesman, said: "The bridge will be closed to all traffic for safety reasons for a number of months after it was damaged following the recent severe cold weather.

"Local traffic diversions have been put into place and barriers have been placed to stop all vehicles and pedestrians from crossing.

"The council decided to take emergency action to close the bridge because the recent severe cold weather had made the structure dangerous to travel over.

"By closing the bridge, we hope to prevent further damage occurring to the bridge. A full assessment of the structure's condition will be carried out by the council. This will then determine how the council will repair the damage to the bridge.

"It is too early to say when the bridge will re-open and how much it will cost to repair the damage. However, as it is a listed structure over a river, we will need to consult the Environment Agency and Cadw on any works that are required."

By Andrew Morris