Branston Bridge reopens after investigatory works 

Branston Bridge has reopened after a brief closure over the October school half-term holiday.

The 185-year-old bridge, which currently has weight and width restrictions due to structural issues, was closed from October 28 to November 1 for investigatory work.

Staffordshire County Council is exploring options to reinforce the bridge, including a temporary metal structure or a concrete strengthening slab, based on the investigation’s findings.

Concrete barriers are in place to prevent overweight and wide vehicles, that have ignored the advance signs, from overloading the bridge. Mobile CCTV vehicles have and will still be used to enforce the restrictions and fixed CCTV cameras are being considered too.

The goal is to keep the bridge open for pedestrians and light vehicles but, if restrictions are ignored and the structure worsens, a full closure may be necessary.