Emergency closure of Bickleigh Bridge

An emergency closure of Bickleigh Bridge will be needed later this week to remove several large trees lodged against the bridge piers.

The Grade II listed bridge, which carries the A396 over the River Exe, will be closed from 9:30am-3:30pm this Thursday (16 January) and Friday (17 January).

Trees and other debris have swept down the river during recent flooding and have built up against the bridge.

Although the bridge has steel nosings to protect against being struck by this kind of debris, the County Council's bridges team will carry out a visual check for any signs of structural damage caused by the trees. However, they won't be able to fully assess the bridge until water levels have fallen.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: "We need to ensure that this Listed bridge is protected from damage so it’s essential that we remove the debris in order to prevent it causing extensive damage to the structure. To minimise disruption, the timings of the closure have been restricted to avoid the busiest parts of the day. Every effort will be made to complete this work as soon as possible and get the bridge open."

Councillor Margaret Squires, County Councillor for Creedy, Taw and Mid Exe, said: "It is essential that this necessary work is carried out to maintain the historic bridge. The work is being planned to cause the least possible disruption and I would like to thank the public in anticipation for their patience whilst the work is being completed."

During the closure, a signed diversion will be in place via the A3072, A377 and A396.