Update on Brownlow Bridge repairs – Ivinghoe & Pitstone Village Website

The works to repair the bridge has now started
Once the work started, the situation on the state of the bridge was found to be far worse than was originally thought. The bridge was more unsafe than was originally survey suggested with the damage being more substantive than can be seen. One of the corner pillars of the bridge was found to be bowing as a result of the collision and that part of the bridge has had to be taken right down to its foundations to be totally rebuilt.
There should definitely be no traffic (vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian) movement across the bridge at present, it was highlighted to Canals and Rivers Trust that some traffic is attempting to cross. Until the bridge is fully repaired there is only a minimum amount of structure under the road surface. This is also a building site and should be respected as such.
As the bridge is Grade 2 listed, it is having to be repaired sympathetically. Matching bricks have had to be sourced (from Belgium) and lime mortar has to be used.
The contractor is suggesting, unless they find further problems, that they are looking towards mid-July for re-opening the bridge to traffic.
Some people continue to attempt to cross the bridge. Please be aware that it is against the law to remove diversion signs and the police will act accordingly.