A CANAL bridge in Hardwicke is due to shut for a month for repair work. 

The Sellars Swing Bridge, Haywicks Lane near the Pilot Inn will be closed 24/7 from Monday, July 22 to Friday, August 30. 

Work is being carried out by the Canal and River Trust to ensure “its safety” and repair the bridge’s structure which is “deteriorating”, officials say. 

The division route during the closure urges drivers to go through Longney, Epney, Saul and Frampton on Severn or via the A38. 

A notice on Gloucestershire County Council’s website says there will also be no access for pedestrians and cyclists across the bridge.

The notice reads: “The bridge structure condition is deteriorating due to large volumes of traffic, and important works are needed to ensure its ongoing safety. 

“There has also been a large volume of complaints from residents about the noise that this bridge makes when vehicles pass over, and repairing the damaged/loose road plates will ease this noise.

"During the works a road closure will be necessary.

“Pedestrian diversion signage will also be in place between Rea and Sellars on the walking route on the Quedgeley side of the canal should walkers want to get to the Pilot Inn.”

It continues: “The main aspect of the work is to repair the road plates on the abutments due to impact damage from large vehicles and the noise it now creates. 

“Canal and River Trust will be replacing the damaged/loose road plates, and breaking out and re-laying the damaged concrete underneath these road plates. 

“They will be repairing and re-setting the height of the landing pads and reinforcing the steel work at the nose end of the bridge. 

“During the works there will be no access for pedestrians and cyclists across the bridge, but a walking/cycling diversion between Rea & Sellars will be signposted.

“Please be aware the dates of roadworks can be subject to change due to the weather and other factors. 

“Canal and River Trust endeavour to be as efficient as possible and will re-open the bridge sooner if they are able.”

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