Essential Longdon Bridge Repairs to Deliver Lasting Safety Improvements
Telford & Wrekin Council is advising residents and road users that essential repairs and safety improvements to Longdon upon Tern bridge will begin on Friday, 31 July, requiring a temporary road closure and signed diversion route.
Following positive feedback from residents on the temporary traffic signals and support from Rodington Parish Council for a permanent solution, an enhanced scheme will improve pedestrian safety while preserving an important local landmark.
The work is being carried out following damage to the south parapet caused by a vehicle collision. Subsequent investigations also identified additional structural defects requiring repair.
The new layout will include permanent traffic signals, a controlled pedestrian crossing and footpath improvements across the bridge, making it safer and easier for people to cross.
Access for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians will be maintained (when safe to do so) throughout the works. However, the road will be closed to motorists for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by Saturday, 3 October, subject to favourable weather conditions and any unforeseen structural issues.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: "What began as a project to repair damage caused by a vehicle collision has become an opportunity to deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
"We've listened to residents who told us they valued the temporary traffic signals and wanted a permanent solution that improved safety. Working in partnership with Rodington Parish Council, we're now able to deliver those improvements alongside the essential bridge repairs.
"The scheme will make it safer and easier for people to cross the bridge while protecting this historic structure for future generations."
Longdon Bridge is a Grade II listed structure dating from 1812, with its original design approved by Thomas Telford. Specialist stonemasons will carefully rebuild the damaged parapet using traditional conservation techniques to preserve the bridge's historic character.
The official diversion route for through traffic will be signed via the A442 through Crudgington and Shawbirch. To help protect local communities during the closure, Long Lane will be restricted to residents' access only, reducing the risk of lorries and other through traffic using residential roads as unofficial shortcut routes.
Councillor Overton added: "We know road closures can be frustrating, but we've worked closely with the Parish Council to minimise the impact on residents. Restricting access on Long Lane will help deter unsuitable traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, from using local residential roads during the works.
"We'd like to thank residents and road users for their patience while these important improvements are completed."
A spokesperson for Rodington Parish Council said: “After months of liaising with Telford and Wrekin Council regarding a long-term solution for the traffic issues caused by the ongoing bridge repairs, Rodington Parish Council is delighted that permanent traffic lights will be installed in Longdon Upon Tern.
“We are proud to have an active Transport Working Group, made up of volunteers in the parish, who meet regularly and work tirelessly to monitor traffic and campaign for road safety measures in the area. The Parish Council has contributed funds to ensure the realisation of this project and will continue to work with the local authority to ensure that the needs and wishes of rural communities are met.
“This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaborative partnerships between Parish Councils and the Local Authority, that benefit the whole community.”
Further information about the works and traffic management arrangements will be shared with residents ahead of the start date.
These works are being delivered as part of the Council’s investment programme to ‘Protect, Care and Invest to create a better borough’. Over the next four years, over £91m is being invested to keep neighbourhoods safe, clean and well connected. The ‘Pride in our Community’ Highways Capital Programme will deliver improvements to infrastructure including roads, footpaths, sustainable transport, road safety, street furniture, drains and structures.