Somerset Council is carrying out essential repairs to a Taunton landmark in the new year.

The Grade II listed Town Bridge carries the A3027 over the River Tone in the centre of Taunton and for a number of years has been showing signs of wear and tear.

Engineering reports revealed the need for extensive refurbishing works to the bridge structure, including concrete repairs, parapet repairs, new joints, waterproofing and painting of the steelwork and ornate cast iron parapets.
The painting will ensure the steel and iron elements of the bridge are protected for another 30 to 40 years.

Funding has been ring-fenced for what is an essential structural repair programme and a team from contractor Walters UK will be starting work on the bridge in the new year. It is expected the work will take nine months to complete.
The road will be open to two-way traffic throughout virtually all of the project.

There may need to be some evening closures in the latter stages.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said:

I know that the people of Taunton have been displeased with the state of the bridge and its ornate parapets for many years.

When I was appointed to this role last year I wanted to act on that concern and prioritise these works. The job is much bigger than just how the bridge looks but once the structural works are out of the way we can get on with improving the aesthetics too.

This is about acting now and ensuring the structure is maintained and fit for purpose for decades to come.

If we don’t act now this is only going to become more and more expensive to do and could end up with the need for a prolonged closure of a main road.

Thankfully virtually all the work will be done while the road remains open.

If you find a problem on the road you can report it quickly and easily by visiting Report a problem on the road webpage.

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