Car-damaged bridge to remain closed

A flood-hit bridge badly damaged after it was hit by a car ignoring a road closure is set to remain closed.

Newerne Street Bridge, in the centre of Lydney, Gloucestershire, sustained "significant damage" in the collision in the early hours of 3 December.

The bridge had already been closed for more than a week at the time due to damaged caused as a result of Storm Bert's impact on the River Lyd.

Now Gloucestershire County Council has said the bridge will remain fully closed to all vehicles ahead of repairs being carried out.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed an inspection of the bridge had been carried out, which had determined it would have to remain closed while repairs are carried out.

Concrete barriers are to be put in place to stop any other vehicles attempting to cross the bridge.

The council told the BBC they were unable to give a timeframe for the work, adding: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will reopen the bridge as soon as it is safe to do so."

As the River Lyd is classified as a "main river", the council needs to get permission from the Environment Agency before any repairs can take place.

A further inspection, involving diving around the base of the bridge, is to take place once initial work has been carried out.

The full extent of the work needed will only become clear, and the permission from the Environment Agency sought, once this has happened.

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