TWO vital county bridges will be closed for several weeks this summer to allow for repairs.

Inspections of Holme Lacy and Stoke Lacy bridges have indicated that both structures need significant maintenance work. Schemes are currently being developed, with work on site expected to take place this summer.

Herefordshire Council, in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, is responsible for maintaining the safety of more than 700 road and foot bridges across the county.

During 2018, the contractors completed 446 bridge inspections – an average of 37 every month.

The council develops a programme to identify bridges that require maintenance, repair or replacement each year through regular safety inspections.

Council officers say Stoke Lacy Bridge, situated on the A465 at the bottom of Stoke Lacy Hill, needs strengthening to ensure it can continue to meet the demands of modern-day traffic.

This will require workers to dig down to the original arch of the bridge and install a new concrete ‘saddle’ before resurfacing it.

The A465 over the bridge will need to close for the duration of the works, which are expected to begin in July or August 2019 and take approximately eight to ten weeks to complete.

Holme Lacy Bridge, which is situated on the B4399, needs the bearings at its west end replacing. The bridge would then have new expansion joints installed and be resurfaced.

Work is expected to commence in the summer and will also take a number of weeks to complete.

While most of the work will be completed under temporary traffic lights, some closure periods, each lasting several days, will be unavoidable.

Local residents and businesses around both locations will receive letters later this month informing them of likely work this summer and reasons for it.

The council says there will inevitably be delays and inconvenience at both sites while work is undertaken.

Clive Hall, council highways and transport acting assistant director, said: “We understand that any closure or reduction in traffic flow will be unwelcome but, by alerting local residents and businesses early, we hope to provide communities every opportunity to share their views and suggestions. We will consider these as we develop our plans.