Landmark Taunton bridge to close for essential repairs

The parapets on Town Bridge have needed structural repairs for several years

Essential repairs to a Taunton landmark may result in partial road closures.

The Grade II-listed Town Bridge carries the A3027 over the River Tone into the town centre.

Engineering reports revealed the need for extensive refurbishing works to the structure of the bridge - which dates from 1895 - beginning in the new year.

Somerset Council's Mike Rigby said: "This is about acting now, and ensuring the structure is maintained and fit-for-purpose for decades to come."

"I know that the people of Taunton have been displeased with the state of the bridge and its ornate parapets for many years, " added Cllr Rigby, the council's lead member for transport and digital projects.

"The job is much bigger than just how the bridge looks - but once the structural works are out of the way, we can get on with improving the aesthetics too."

It is expected the repairs will take nine months, with the road open to two-way traffic throughout "virtually all" of the renovation.

However, there may need to be some evening closures in the latter stages, the council has warned.

Re-painting the bridge will ensure the steel and iron elements are protected for at least another 30 years.

Funding has been ring-fenced for what is deemed an essential structural repair programme, and a team will be starting work in early 2024.

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