Six-week road closure to allow bridge works

The road will be closed for the safety of workers, National Highways said

A road is going to be closed for six weeks to allow repair work to a historic railway bridge.

National Highways said the A272 near Petersfield, Hampshire, would be closed from Monday 1 September to Sunday 14 October.

The closure would be in place to keep those carrying out the work safe, the company said.

A diversion will be in place, and drivers have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

National Highways' Historical Railways Estate team looks after more than 3,000 railway bridges, viaducts and tunnels across England, Scotland and Wales.

Alistair Dore, engineer for the region, said they were going to carry out "a large amount of work" during the closure.

"While there are no safety concerns related to the capacity of the bridge, the work will address the worst areas of degradation throughout the arch," he said.

"The repairs will keep the structure safe for years to come.

"The closure is in place to protect those working on the structure."

Signed diversions will be in place.

National Highways said HGVs and larger vehicles should avoid using smaller roads, and use the official signed diversion route.