Bridge repairs ‘could cost a million’

Tax payers have been warned that the cost to repair the Aberbechan bridge could reach £1 million.

 

The Grade II listed bridge (left), which crosses the River Severn, has been closed for a fortnight after engineers discovered cracks and rendered it unsafe.

 

A spokesperson for Powys County Council confirmed that initial surveys have shown the repairs could cost “at least £500,000” while an insider who has been on site told mynewtown that “there won’t be much change from £1 million”.

 

“The assessment on the structure will determine how the council will repair the damage and provide a more accurate cost of those repairs. However, as it is a listed structure over a river, we will need to consult the Environment Agency and Cadw on any works that are required,” said the council spokesperson. “At this stage, the bridge will be closed for a number of months.”

 

The closure has added to Newtown’s traffic problems with motorists now unable to use a popular side road into the town.