Advanced notice of road closure for bridge repairs

Residents in Redditch and Studley are being given advanced notice of the closure of Green Lane at the end of this month.

The road will be closed for approximately 6 weeks to undertake repair works to the historic former-railway bridge. The road was closed for a short period earlier this year for emergency works which were necessary before full repairs could be made.

The next phase of this work will take significantly longer, to repair the brickwork and pathways.

The road will be closed from Tuesday 28 May, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and residents will be required to use the short diversion route via Brickyard Lane. There will be no access to the cycle track over the top of the Green Lane Bridge whilst the works take place.

It is estimated to take around 6 weeks to conduct the delicate repairs, but this is dependent on what contractors discover when works begin. If any issues are found, it may take longer. The blue-brick Victorian bridge was originally built in the 1800s and therefore minimal records are available for reference due to the age of the site, meaning that unexpected issues could arise.

Scaffolding will be erected on the bridge for the duration of the works and residents are advised to stay away from the bridge, as it will essentially become a building site and has the potential to be dangerous to both vehicles and pedestrians.

In 2019 a report to councillors in Redditch set out that the deteriorating overpass was presenting complex maintenance issues, prompting a plan to replace it with a ground level crossing. The bridge gained local recognition after residents strongly objected to its demolition and instead plans were then created to repair this historic structure.

Simon Parry, Interim Head of Environmental Services at Redditch Borough Council, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the road closure, but it is essential for the safety of local residents. Our contractors will of course endeavour to complete the work as quickly as possible, but due to the age of the masonry and the structure, it is vital that it is done properly to ensure its longevity going forward. We thank the road users and residents for their patience during this time.”

Whilst the site is in Studley and classed as Warwickshire, Redditch Borough Council’s contractors Kelbec will be completing the repair works. The bridge technically falls under Stratford District, but Redditch Borough Council owns it owing to a quirk of the new town expansion of Redditch in the last century.

Cllr Peter Hencher-Serafin, Councillor for Studley North, said: “It will be good to have repairs and maintenance done on this Railway Bridge as it is a part of History. It's a lovely walk over and a national cycle way, enjoyed by many people. As the bridge is in my Ward, I will be visiting the work on going as a matter of interest, and keep people updated.”

Redditch Borough Council have worked closely with both Warwickshire County Council and Stratford District Council on this project, with numerous plans discussed at each of the authorities Planning Committees.