Pictures: Historic Ludlow bridge to be closed for three weeks after part of wall knocked into river
An historic bridge in the middle of Ludlow will be closed for three weeks after one if its walls was knocked into the river.
The Ludford Bridge was shut last night after a vehicle collided with it.
Ludlow councillor Andy Boddington said: "Last night (Sunday) a vehicle smashed into Ludford Bridge. I don't know the circumstances.
"The bridge has been closed to vehicles by Shropshire Highways. Pedestrians and cyclists can still cross the bridge. The diversion is via Sheet Road.
"Part of the parapet adjacent to Walkmill has been knocked into the river. The damage doesn't look structural but it must have been quite a hard hit to do this much damage."
Cllr Simon Jones, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: "A large hole had been made in the bridge wall by a vehicle. The hole is substantial and has also disturbed the adjoining wall and its attachment to the road surface.
"As a safety measure the road/bridge was closed at 10.15pm to all vehicles. Pedestrian access was deemed safe along the opposite side of the bridge. Barriers were erected to direct pedestrians and prevent vehicle access.
"Our priority now is to keep traffic moving and diversions have been put in place along the A49 and into Ludlow via Henley Road and Gravel Hill, due to a height restriction on the Rail bridge. Ludford bridge is still accessible to Pedestrians.
"Inspections of the bridge have been undertaken by both our structures team and a bridge engineer. There are some emergency work required before the bridge can safely be used by vehicles and it looks like the road will need to be shut to vehicles for at least three week to undertake the necessary repairs."
