Weymouth Town Bridge to close for ten weeks of repairs today

The work is due to start today (Monday, September 25) and is scheduled to finish on Thursday, November 30.

The bridge, which is more than 90 years old, will be closed to vehicles for the duration of the works - but pedestrians will still be able to cross over as a walkway will be open on one side.

In 2022, repairs were carried out to welds on the surface of one-half of the bridge, and over the next two months, the other half will receive the same repairs.

Tents will be erected over the work area to ensure it can continue in poor weather.

The Town bridge will be closed to cars and buses for the duration of the repair works (Image: Tom Lawrence)

During the works, the bridge will be closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a signed diversion will be in place.

Access will be kept for pedestrians on one side of the bridge throughout the works.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “It’s a complex process, protecting the historic bridge while maintaining it for modern-day traffic, but one that our skilled team carry out carefully and efficiently.

"I thank everyone for their patience as this work is completed.”

Business on North Quay, by the town bridge are concerned about the lack of footfall caused by the closure (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Nearby businesses at North Quay have stressed that the bridge will still be open to pedestrians - after closures last year led to a decline in footfall.

It comes as the North Quay car park at the former council offices has also been closed for a 13-week-long archaeological dig.

The Bridge Fair Trade shop on North Quay (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Linda Perry, Chair of Trustees at The Bridge Fair Trade Shop, said: "I am very worried about the closing of the bridge, but also the car park.

"We need to stress that pedestrian access is still available on the bridge and people can still get to the other side."

David Hansford, owner of Vintage said: "I imagine it will be the same as last time, terrible.

Vintage on North Quay (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"It was totally quiet, which is strange because people could still walk over the bridge.

"With the car park closed now too it is a double blow because there is nowhere to park on this side."

The closure will also affect the number 8 bus; operator First Bus has announced the diversions which will be in place.

A spokesperson for First Bus said: “Service 8 towards Chickerell will divert via the Esplanade, King Street where the service will continue over Swannery Bridge, Westwey Road, and onto Newstead Road where it will continue on the normal route.

“Service 8 towards Weymouth King's Statue will divert via Westham Road, the Esplanade and terminate at King's Statue stand K5.

“During this period service 8 will not be able to serve The Range, Town Bridge, and North Quay.”