Works on Grade I bridge progressing, says council

Work to restore a Grade I listed suspension bridge that was damaged by heavy lorries was making good progress, a council said.

Marlow Bridge, which crosses the River Thames on the border between Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, was completed in 1832 and over time has suffered damage.

Buckinghamshire Council said four of the bridge's 12 bearings that support the structure's deck have now been successfully replaced.

The authority added it expected the bridge would remain open for most of the work, which was due to be completed by 2027.

The works involved lifting the bridge on both sides, which will happen again on 14-15 March, the authority added.

Marlow Bridge was built between 1829 and 1832 and designed by William Tierney Clark.

The council said the last major works were completed between 1965 and 1966.

Alex Collingwood, a Conservative councillor representing Marlow on the authority, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "This work will safeguard the future of the bridge and remain an iconic landmark for Marlow and the county for generations to come.

"It means that Marlow will remains a vibrant community for both residents and visitors."

Contractors were working around the clock during the weekend closures to minimise inconvenience for residents and ensure progress continues, the authority said.

All parking spaces between the Causeway and High Street in the town centre have been blocked since June last year and were expected to remain closed until 31 March.

A working compound has also been set up in the Pound Lane car park, which was being used for storage and workspaces close to the bridge.

Some people living in Marlow have criticised the council for the closure of the parking bays, but Collingwood said the town had generally been "very supportive."

Further closures of the bridge were planned over the weekends of the 11-12 April and 18-19 April.

Last year a bid to illuminate the bridge was approved after a government planning inspector overturned an earlier refusal based on concern for bats.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.