Work begins on Stanley Mills bridge near A419 Ryeford which will see 12 weeks of road closures and diversions

The county council is making essential structural improvements and adding safety features to the 200-year-old bridge on Ryeford Road (South) which connects King’s Stanley to A419 at Ryeford.

The changes will help meet the demands of heavier vehicles and increased traffic.

Work has started today (June 19) and will continue for 12 weeks.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood said: “It’s a priority for us to keep the county’s highways well maintained, in particular ensuring that bridges remain safe into the long term future.

“I’d like to thank residents in advance for their patience while this important and complex structural project is carried out.”

A traffic priority scheme is being added to improve safety for vehicles passing on the narrow section of road across the bridge.

The project will make sure the route is safe and well maintained for road users in the long term.

The bridge upgrade is a complex structural engineering project, and for this work to go ahead the road must remain closed for a 12 week period.

Pedestrian access will remain open throughout.

The official diversion route will be signposted via Stanley Downton and Bridgend, with an alternative route to the A419 and Stroud available via Selsley.

Traffic currently travelling via Ryeford Road (South) may use these diversion routes.

Access to businesses in the village, and primary schools, can be made via Bridgend or Selsley.

There will be diversions in place for buses.

Please check timetable information with bus operators.