There is more misery for Newtown motorists after it was confirmed the Aberbechan Bridge could be closed all year.
Work on the bridge, which closed last month after a large crack was found, could top £1 million but may not begin until May after environmentalists intervened to show immediate works would disrupt the upcoming spawning season in the River Severn below.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We are estimating that the work will take at least six months to complete with an earliest start date of May.
“We recognise the importance of Aberbechan Bridge to the local community and businesses. We are already considering how best to move the works on swiftly and are looking at options for funding, including the use of reserves.
“There are a number of constraints that face the council regarding the works; the most critical is the Environment Agency restriction on carrying out works in the river between September and May. As the bridge is a listed structure, we will require listed building consent from Cadw.
“Our design team are considering a number of solutions to re-instate the bridge to an operational condition. Any solution would have to be costed and presented to both the Environment Agency and Cadw to address any issues they and we’ll work with them before we start any repairs.”
The news has will not go down well with motorists who use the bridge to take a back road into the town and avoid the congested main route.