A fresh update has been issued on the long running Burston bridge closure, with Staffordshire County Council now saying work is being planned from June.
The latest position follows a site inspection this week, with the ground still judged too unstable for heavy machinery.
Ground still too soft after site visit
A Little Bit of Stone approached Staffordshire County Council this week for an update on progress at the Burston Bridge site.
The bridge on Sandon and Burston Public Footpath 36 has been a sore point for walkers and residents for some time, particularly those using the route near the River Trent and along the Two Saints Way.
In its latest update, the council said the site had been inspected this week. While conditions are beginning to improve, the ground is still not firm enough for the machinery needed to carry out the work safely.
Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside at Staffordshire County Council, told A Little Bit of Stone:
“We inspected the Burston Bridge site this week and, while the ground is starting to dry, it’s still not stable enough for the heavy machinery needed to install the bridge. We need around four weeks of consistent dry weather to make sure work can go ahead safely without damaging the land.
“Before work can begin, we need to carry out a follow-up survey to ensure work will not disturb protected wildlife and liaise with the landowner and our contractors to agree all practical arrangements.
“The permanent bridge has already been manufactured and is ready for delivery, and we’re now planning for work to begin from June, subject to the weather.”
More steps still to come
The latest statement makes clear there is still more to do before any work starts on site.
As well as waiting for a long enough dry spell, the council says a follow up survey is needed to check that protected wildlife will not be disturbed. Practical arrangements also still need to be agreed with the landowner and contractors.
That means Footpath 36 is not yet ready to reopen, despite earlier hopes that access might be restored sooner.
What does appear to have moved on is the permanent replacement itself. The council says that bridge has now been manufactured and is ready for delivery, with work currently being lined up from June, subject to the weather holding.
