Proposed works
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) will soon begin essential restoration, and maintenance work to the historic Bidford-on-Avon River Bridge as part of the County’s wider Historic Bridge Maintenance Programme (HBMP). This jointly funded venture by Warwickshire County Council and the Department for Transport’s Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund aims to preserve some of the most significant heritage bridges in the region.
Bidford-on-Avon River Bridge, a Grade I listed structure and Scheduled Ancient Monument, is one of the eight key heritage assets selected for specialist conservation works including:
- Refacing and replacement of weathered spandrel and arch stones
- Repointing of open mortar joints
- Reinforcement of cutwaters
The repairs will ensure the structure remains safe, resilient, and preserved for future generations while continuing to support Warwickshire’s transport network.
Programme of works
The restoration project is scheduled to begin week commencing Monday 16 February 2026 – subject to River Avon levels and is expected to run for approximately six months. An initial 2week off-peak (09:30am to 15:30pm) road closure to vehicles is planned for the installation of the access scaffolding to external elevations. Pedestrian crossings will be maintained at all times, with cyclists instructed to dismount on crossings. Factors such as flooding, additional stone replacement, and weather conditions may impact progress and delay the intended completion date of late August 2026. The renovation scheme will maintain vehicle crossings after the initial site setup.
Why the works are required
Bidford-on-Avon River Bridge is a historically significant crossing of the River Avon whose stone arches and cutwaters have endured natural weathering, increased traffic volume and significant cycles of flooding. These conditions have led to the erosion of stone, damage to cutwaters on the upstream elevation, and mortar loss leading to a general deterioration. The planned scheme prioritizes the most critical areas of the structure based on condition surveys.
For any questions/queries, please email one of our engineers at bidfordbridge@warwickshire.gov.uk.