A major repair programme to a canal bridge water main and sewerage pipe in South Staffordshire is being developed.

Following the emergency closure of the road over the bridge in Brewood at the end of November, highway teams have been working closely with the owner, Canal & River Trust and Severn Trent Water whilst options for repair of the structure, water main and sewer pipes are being developed.

The canal bridge in Brewood provides the western route into Brewood along Kiddemore Green Road and High Green.

The timescale is still to be determined by the Trust and Severn Trent Water, which needs to carry out permanent repairs to the water main and sewerage pipe. The Canal & River Trust will carry out structural repairs to the bridge. 

While not a county council project, the authority will need to approve the repair plans for the bridge and will continue to hold regular triage project team meetings with both organisations and monitor progress. The county council will provide regular updates on this progress through social media and newsletters.

Daniel Cecil, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Support Member for Highways (Operations South) added:

“This is a Canal & River Trust bridge and repair scheme – however as highway authority we will be granting the ongoing road closure based on the plans. While we are still waiting for final timescales we’re sure both partners will do all they can to get the work done as soon as they can. We will then be monitoring progress and ensuring people and businesses are kept up to date by the project team.”

The condition of the bridge is an example of one of the many ageing structures in Staffordshire that need proper funding. Staffordshire County Council’s Roadmap to a Better Network details the issue of ageing structures, and how the county council is calling for better funding from Government so these structures can be saved for the future.

(Picture: Staffordshire County Council)