Images show extent of damage to A49 Onibury bridge following tractor collision

Images have been released by National Highways showing the full extent of the damage to the A49 Onibury bridge after a collision earlier this month. 

Both the road bridge and adjacent foot bridge were severely damaged after a tractor struck the bridge on 1 September. While the road remains structurally safe, the impact also caused significant damage to the underside of the footbridge.

Emergency traffic management has been installed to create a temporary footpath, and temporary lights have been installed to maintain one lane of traffic across the bridge.

This measure has been put in place to protect the safety of road users until permanent repairs have been carried out.

A further crack found on underside of footbridge

Work will include repairing the damaged pedestrian footbridge and replacing the bridge parapets and edge beams. The current traffic management system will remain in place while plans are developed for these repairs.

Joseph Walmsley, route manager at National Highways, said:

“Unfortunately bridge strikes cause damage and delays and we are doing all we can to keep users safe and disruption to a minimum while we make plans for the repairs. The close proximity of the level crossing also requires stricter traffic management to keep road users and pedestrians safe throughout.

“Detailed inspections of the bridge have highlighted that further work needs to be done to the underneath of the bridge to make it safe for all users. There are multiple complexities to this type of repair and the complex design and age of the bridge means these types of unexpected repairs can take time.”