FAQs

Yes. The bridge is safe to use under the existing 3-tonne weight limit. This does not mean a vehicle weighing more than this would cause an immediate danger, but it would accelerate the deterioration.  

It is monitored regularly by the Council, including regular visual inspections and monitoring to detect any movement. If flooding or significant movement occurs, the bridge will be temporarily closed as a precaution until the checks can be completed. 

A full options report has been carried out independently by external consultants which provided the following options: 

Option 1 – replace the bridge: 

This option would create a brand-new structure which has a maximum weight limit of 40 tonnes, with potential improvements to road realignment. The replacement bridge would be a modern replacement of a reinforced precast concrete structure. 

A replacement bridge would improve safety. It would fully restore unrestricted access for all vehicles, including farm machinery. However, the cost of a full replacement is not currently funded, meaning external funding would be required and could delay delivery. This is estimated to be around £2 million. 

Option 2 – close the bridge to vehicles:  

This option would permanently close Barston Bridge to vehicles while keeping it open for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Minor repairs would be carried out to maintain the structure for these purposes and works would be costed during the design stages. This could be delivered sooner using existing Council maintenance budgets.  

Closure would remove the safety risks and reduce traffic along Baston Lane and the village. However, it would require drivers to use longer alternatives routes. The Council is consulting to seek views on the bridge’s current usage and to compare safety and local benefits.  

You can view a map of the alternative routes here. 

The bridge could be repaired using the existing Council budget, enabling use to continue under the current weight restriction. However, this is a short-term solution and a long-term option would still be required. This is because a repair alone would not increase the bridge’s maximum weight limit to a desired 40 tonnes, it could still result in the bridge being closed for safety reasons, and a full replacement could still be required in the future.  

If repairs were to be made, this would strengthen the existing masonry arches and increase the load capacity to the previous 7.5 tonne limit. This would require additional works such as the provision of drainage measures, masonry repairs and stabilising the piers to support the additional load. Therefore, a significant capital outlay would still be required to facilitate a repair. 

This would require significant intrusive works and would therefore require a road closure to be in place for up to six months to facilitate the repair. Additionally, the option would require an alteration to the existing vertical alignment of the structure which may worsen visibility for motorists approaching the structure from both sides.