A PROGRAMME of repairs to Tynedale bridges is ongoing, with drivers in Bywell the latest to be affected.

Bywell Bridge is closed during off-peak periods for the next four weeks while work to refurbish the bridge takes place.

The road closed on Monday, August 14, from 9am to 3pm on Mondays to Fridays.

The work includes re-pointing and repairs to the parapets, arch barrel, and spandrel walls, along with re-surfacing the road and footpaths and hardening the approach verges.

Northumberland County Council said a diversion route was in place via the B6309, A69, A68 and the A695.

The work is part of the Masonry Arch Refurbishment Programme (MARP), which Northumberland County Council received funding for in 2015 from the Government’s Challenge Funding for one-off major infrastructure schemes.

The £6.7m investment will see 130 masonry arch bridges repaired by the end of the scheme, which is now in its final year.

Now dates have also been announced for repairs to Chollerford Bridge.

That work involves masonry repairs, re-pointing and resurfacing and is expected to take up to seven weeks to complete.

An off-peak road closure will take place between 9am and 3pm for four weeks from Monday, October 9.

Northumberland County Council said pedestrians and dismounted cyclists would be able to cross the bridge at all times during the work and would be escorted through by staff.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “Bridges form a vital part of our infrastructure and by investing in early intervention work, we are able to avoid more expensive problems in the future.

“Chollerford Bridge is an iconic structure, but at nearly 250 years old, it’s in need of some care and attention to ensure it’s fit for future generations.

“Ensuring a high level of funding and work on our local roads is also part of our long-term economic plan to improve journeys, create jobs and drive economic growth.”