The Grade I listed Teston Bridge in Kent is undergoing repair works after being damaged by a drink driver who crashed into the parapet of the bridge at the beginning of August.
Kent Online revealed that the bridge will remain closed until at least October 8th as repair works have been extended, meaning the crossing will be out of action for a month longer than expected.
This latest round of work started after Ben Emery, a semi-professional footballer from Westgate-on-Sea, crashed his BMW into the structure on August 5th, causing £75,000 of damage. Two cracks measuring 10ft appeared in the structure and its stonework was dislodged in the accident.
A diversion is in place but it is causing issues for motorists, with over 5,000 vehicles a day typically travelling along this stretch of road between Tonbridge Road and West Farleigh.
While it may be frustrating for motorists in Kent, it could be worse. Residents in Leeds have only just seen the historic Linton Bridge reopened after almost two years of repair works.
The structure was damaged by floods at the end of 2015 and has been undergoing extensive repair work, particularly to its foundations, to make it safe again.
Carrying out repairs on the likes of a multi element expansion joint is a difficult task and one that requires a great deal of specialist expertise and equipment. And with winter approaching, there’s always the risk that strong storms could cause damage to some more of our structures in the coming months.