Historic bridge shut to traffic for refurb

The Grade II listed bridge is a "historical asset", the council says

A historic Staffordshire bridge is shut to traffic for four weeks for a £350,000 refurbishment.

Works to the Grade II listed Wodehouse Lane Bridge on the main road through Gospel End, near Wombourne, will preserve it for "years to come", the county council said.

The 18th Century masonry arch structure requires bridge deck and utility investigations, repairs to brickwork and drain clearance.

It will be fully closed, with signed diversions in place, until 15 August, but a second phase of refurbishment will take place next year.

Traffic will be diverted along the A463, A459, A4039 and A449 while the first phase of work is completed, the council added.

Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for strategic highways Peter Mason described the bridge over Wodehouse Mill Pool as a "historical asset".

"This refurbishment scheme needs to be carried out in keeping with its Grade II listed status," he said.

"Unfortunately a full closure is needed due to the size of the bridge and the nature of works."

He explained the work had been scheduled during school holidays to minimise disruption and thanked residents in advance for their understanding.