Historic Lydford Bridge shut after collision leaves landmark facing weeks of closure
Lydford Bridge near Lydford Gorge has been closed following significant damage caused by a vehicle collision, with repairs to the centuries-old structure expected to take several weeks
Lydford Bridge near Lydford Gorge will remain closed for at least four weeks after a vehicle collision caused extensive damage to the historic structure.
Devon County Council said a single vehicle crashed into the Grade II listed bridge at the weekend, “knocking a nine-metre section of its granite parapet into the River Lyd, around 18 metres below”.
The council said the stonework will be recovered and repairs will begin as soon as possible.
However, extensive scaffolding will need to be installed before work can start, meaning the bridge is expected to remain closed for at least four weeks.
A signed diversion has been put in place to direct visitors to the National Trust car park for Lydford Gorge.
"Open for business" signs have also been installed to make clear that the nearby Castle Inn remains open as usual.
Devon County Council said it has discussed the closure with the National Trust, Lydford Parish Council and the Castle Inn.
Councillor Dan Thomas, the council's Cabinet Member for Highways, said: "It's sad to see this ancient bridge damaged and we're left with no choice but to close the bridge until we can make it safe for the public.
"Unfortunately, these types of repairs aren't straightforward and a specialist contractor will have to carry out the work.
“The scheme will require a huge amount of scaffolding, which in itself will take time to put in place and then remove afterwards.
"The County Council will look to recover the costs of this repair scheme, and in the meantime please bear with us while we work to get the bridge open again."
Councillor Michael Fife Cook, the county councillor for Yelverton Rural, said: "Sadly, in the countryside many of our historic bridges were never conceived to have to carry the heavy flow of present day traffic.
"I know for many, this will cause extra mileage on their day to day travels, but we should all be grateful, as the damage can be repaired, and at least we haven't had a human disaster this time."
Lydford Bridge dates back to the 1400s, although the damaged parapets were added when the bridge was widened in the 1920s.