Marlow Bridge forced to close for 'foreseeable future'

05:55PM, Sunday 25 September 2016

Marlow Bridge

Marlow Bridge has been closed for the 'foreseeable future' after suffering potential structural damage.

Transport for Bucks tweeted this afternoon to say the bridge is set to remain closed and an update will be provided tomorrow.

Reports on social media have suggested the bridge was damaged after a lorry passed over it last night.

UPDATE Monday, September 26, 9.42am:

Thames Valley Police said in a statement it was called shortly before 10.30pm on Saturday following a report a lorry had used the bridge, exceeding the weight limit and damaging the vehicle's tyres.

It said a fixed penalty notice was issued, and the incident was handed over to the council's highways department as the bridge needed to be structurally assessed.

The Girteka Group, a Lithuania-based haulage firm, was tweeted to say it is 'very sorry' for last night's incident.

It added a GPS alarm has been added for lorry drivers 'never to come here again'.

Update 3.35pm:

Transport for Bucks has issued the following statement:

"The inspection is still ongoing but initial findings show evidence of overstressing on key structural parts of the bridge (the abutment bearing and on the steel hangers from the chain).

"Based on these initial findings, for safety reasons the bridge will remain closed while further specialist testing/investigation is completed, so we can fully understand the extent of damage caused by the HGV.

"We are happy that the footway on one side remains open to pedestrians and cyclists.

"Until a full investigation is completed, we will be unable to assess the damage and how long the bridge may need to remain closed to traffic."

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