Bridge to shut for seven days for repair work

The bridge will be closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians

A bridge used to access a city centre is due to be closed for seven days.

High Orchard Bridge, in Gloucester, will be fully closed from 06:00 BST on 7 May until 13 May to allow repair work to take place.

Gloucestershire County Council had previously said that the bridge would be closed from 6 May but the Canal and River Trust said on Thursday that this was incorrect.

Cracks were discovered following an inspection of the bridge in March, meaning it could not be opened ahead of the Tall Ships Festival in late May.

During the planned closure, High Orchard Bridge, which feeds St Ann Way over the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, will be closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

A diversion route will be in place via the A430 Castle Meads Way, St Oswalds Road, Gouda Way, Black Dog Way, Bruton Way and Trier Way.

Tall ships have been unable to pass under the bridge since the cracks were found with the crew of one boat, Bessie Ellen, bringing in a crane to remove her masts and rigging.

The boat was later reassembled on the other side of High Orchard Bridge so that it could tour around Britain.

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