URGENT repairs are to be carried out to install new protective kerbstones at Bickleigh Bridge this month.
The A396 will be closed at Bickleigh Bridge for five days from Tuesday, April 6 to Friday, April 9, while the "anti-climb" kerbs on the approach to the Grade II listed structure are replaced.
The specially designed kerbs, which were first introduced at the bridge in 2009, help guide larger vehicles safely over the bridge to prevent collisions with the ancient structure.
They have successfully reduced the amount of times the bridge has been struck by vehicles. However, the kerbstones now need to be replaced as they have sustained severe damage over the years and in their current condition larger vehicles can easily mount them and potentially damage the bridge.
Due to the narrow width of the bridge, it needs to be fully closed to enable the work to be carried out safely. The approaches south of the A3072 junction up to the bridge will also be closed while the repairs are undertaken.
The works were previously to be completed in the following week but were brought forward after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.