Emergency closure of Stow Bridge’s Stow Causeway Bridge after ‘serious structural defect’ found

A village bridge has been closed after a “serious structural defect” was deemed to be an emergency.

Stow Causeway Bridge on Stow Bridge remains closed to traffic and diversions have been put in place.

It follows an inspection carried out by Norfolk County Council which identified the defect to one of the bridge supports.

A spokesperson from the county council said: “We are urgently exploring the option of putting in place temporary support, which would allow the bridge to be reopened until permanent repairs can be carried out.

“This may result in a temporary weight limit being enforced over the bridge, but at this early stage, there is no guarantee this temporary fix is achievable.

“So the road may have to stay closed until permanent repairs are carried out.”

A signed diversion route will be in place for the duration of the closure with pedestrian access being maintained at all times.

The work will be carried out by the county council’s Community and Environmental Services Department and their contractors.

It is believed that pedestrian access is still available.