Full inspection and survey of Marlow Bridge

A series of overnight closures are planned on Marlow Bridge ahead of potential maintenance works to the historic river crossing.

Buckinghamshire Council is preparing to carry out a full inspection to determine whether improvement works are needed for the 200-year-old bridge.

A range of different measures have been trialled over the years to stop heavy vehicles from crossing the Grade I listed structure, including width-restricting bollards and cameras to spot offenders.

Overnight closures, from 8pm until 6am, will come into force on Monday, May 13 so scaffolding can be installed around both bridge towers.

Buckinghamshire Council is expecting the bridge to be closed overnight for five nights while the scaffolding is installed.

A full inspection of the bridge will then take place, the council said.

Further overnight closures will be in place when the scaffolding is dismantled.

A council spokeswoman said these are likely to be in place for three nights.

Drivers will need to follow a signed diversion route while the bridge is closed.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge by following the signed instructions on site.

Dominic Barnes, Buckinghamshire Council’s deputy cabinet member for transport, said: “As we’ve previously said, we’ve got maintenance and upgrade works planned in for Marlow Bridge during this year and next.

“This initial surveying will tell us exactly what’s needed and will allow us to fully plan these works in.

“We’re committed to protecting and enhancing this historic and attractive structure and this will help us to move our maintenance and improvements work forward.

“We would remind motorists to observe the diversions that will be put in place and thank people for their patience while we carry out these works; we will be aiming to keep disruption to a minimum.”