A BUSY village bridge is due to close for five weeks so ‘essential repair work’ can be carried out on the ageing structure.

Great Bardfield Bridge, in Bridge Street, is a Grade II listed crossing that carries a single lane over the River Pant.

Following surveys carried out on the bridge, Essex Highways says work is needed on its brickwork and the buttresses which support the structure.

A full closure will be in place throughout the duration of the work which is expected to begin on Monday, July 29.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “The works are expected to take approximately five weeks to complete and it will be necessary for the bridge to be fully closed to all vehicles, 24 hours a day.

“We are in the process of liaising with bus operators so that adjustments can be made to their services. An update will follow in due course.

“We have already been in discussion with both Great Bardfield and Finchingfield Parish Council to review and agree proposed diversion routes and clearways to ensure they are appropriate from both a safety and practical point of view.

“During the works a limited number of clearway/no parking restrictions will be necessary. This will allow sufficient space for large vehicles, including bus services, to undertake safe manoeuvres in Great Bardfield and Finchingfield.”

Bosses are warning more maintenance could be required on the bridge as part of a separate phase of work later on.

During this part of the work, the pedestrian footbridge will stay open.

Visit essexhighways.org/transport-and-roads.aspx for more information.