Work to repair Neen Sollars bridge will start next month

Work to repair a bridge which was almost destroyed when flood waters deluged Shropshire will cost around £75,000, officials said today.

Part of the Rea Bridge in Neen Sollars near Cleobury Mortimer collapsed into the River Rea when severe flooding hit the county on July 14. Work to repair the bridge is expected to begin on September 3 and last for up to six weeks. Pedestrian access will be allowed.

Shropshire Council said because of the narrow nature of the bridge and the extent of the damage it will need to remain closed to traffic until it has been repaired.

The proposed repair work will involve scaffolding being put up around the bridge to allow for the building of a new foundation for the bridge's south-western wing wall and rebuilding the bridge's collapsed wing and parapet walls.

Engineers will then remove the scaffolding before finally repairing the road surface over the bridge in the middle of October.

Officials say the scaffolding will occupy most of the space available on the bridge which means access for quad bikes and horse riders will be stopped. However pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge, as will cyclists, as long as they get of their bikes and walk them across the bridge.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said: "The bridge has had to be closed in the interest of safety after a totally unforeseeable flood which was the worst in living memory.

"It is appreciated that this is causing disruption and inconvenience, and everyone involved will do all that they can reopen the bridge as soon as possible."

Laura Owen, communications and marketing officer, for the council added: "Repairs are expected to cost approximately £75,000 however we are awaiting a quote from our contractor."

Until the bridge is reopened, traffic will continue to be diverted along a signed alternative route.

See also:

• Neen Sollars villagers demand action over floods

• Big clean up starts after Shropshire floods shock

• Bridge washed away in Shropshire floods

• Flood rescues as rivers rise – In pictures