VITAL works to repair and strengthen a Herefordshire bridge have been completed after months.
Work began in July to the Bartestree Bridge, A438, in a bid to increase the life span and load carrying capacity of the culvert, which supports the A438 between Hagley and Dormington.
The road previously reopened at the end of August, after it had been shut 24 hours a day, from Monday, July 22.
The previous culvert was a single span red brick arch structure, and surveys revealed that there was damage to the culvert walls, with displaced masonry and evidence of mortar loss.
The council had previously said that work was "absolutely necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the road surface and bridge structure".
The works began with an excavation of the carriageway to expose the arch barrel, using a balanced digging technique to protect the integrity of the structure. There followed repairs to the barrel and wall, strengthening of the culvert with concrete layers, and finally the carriageway was reinstated.
The works involved 61 cubic metres of concrete and over 5200 square metres of tarmac surfacing. During the process, over 80 tonnes of material was removed from the site.
Cllr Barry Durkin, cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, said: “We’re delighted that these significant works have been completed.
"The excavation and strengthening was vital to ensure the bridge structure remained safe and to maintain the integrity of the road surface.
"The outcome is excellent and has resulted in a strengthened bridge and improved road surface that will continue to serve road users for years to come.”
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