Bridge closure warning amid HGV damage fears

Chetwynd Bridge, near Alrewas, is more than 200 years old

A 200-year-old bridge in Staffordshire could be closed amid fears of structural damage caused by the crossing of heavy vehicles, a council has warned.

There is a 7.5 tonne weight limit and a 2.3 metre (7ft 6in) width limit on the Grade II listed Chetwynd Bridge near Alrewas, but Staffordshire County Council says the restrictions are being ignored by drivers of some commercial vehicles.

A full restoration was carried out on the bridge’s ironwork structure two years ago, according to the authority.

The council added it would monitor the bridge’s use and contact drivers who ignored the restrictions.

The plan for the longer-term was to build a new road bridge to bypass Chetwynd Bridge when funding was available, and to then turn the old structure into a pedestrian bridge, the council explained.

“Unfortunately, despite the signage and other repeated communication, heavy commercial vehicles are ignoring the limits and continuing to use the bridge,” said county council cabinet member Mark Deaville.

“We’re urging them to please use alternative routes and may have to take enforcement action if the problem persists as closure would be detrimental to the wider community.

"We’d like to thank drivers and businesses who are being responsible and supporting our efforts to protect the bridge and ensure it remains open.”