GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE STEAM RAILWAY WEAK BRIDGE PROBLEMS. BRIDGE 8, B4632 ROAD, STANTON. As part of our normal ongoing programme of examination of structures, we had a detailed examination of Bridge 8 on the B4632 at Stanton carried out last year. This examination exposed serious defects with this bridge structure. As a result of that information, this was then immediately followed by a structural assessment of this bridge to determine the effect on the strength of the structure and its load carrying capacity. The structural consultants advised us that the condition of the structure was so bad that we needed to have a 3 tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW)limit imposed immediately. This was done by Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), after discussions with us, just before Christmas.This limit has been constantly ignored by heavy goods vehicle drivers and so, after further consultation with GCC, it was agreed to immediately impose a temporary total road closure. GCC’s contractors did this onFriday afternoon 15thFebruary 2019.A scheme had already been prepared to try to ensure that only vehicles of 3 tonne GVW or less can cross the bridge and this scheme has been agreed with GCC. The necessary signs and equipment were organised and the scheme was installed as a matter of urgency.The scheme involves restricting traffic to single lane working by the use of traffic lights, combining that with narrowing of that single lane to 2.5M maximum width. It is now in place and is in operation, so vehicles of 3 tonne GVW or less can cross the bridge once more.It is vital that all drivers of vehicles in excess of 3 tonne GVW observe the legally enforceable weight restriction, that they follow the signed route diversion and do not try to use unsuitable local roads. Further measures using CCTV cameras are also being considered to enforce this restriction given the abuse to date. We apologise for the inconvenience being caused. In conjunction with Gloucestershire County Council we are working to develop a plan for the bridge but this will take time to implement. Updated 3rd March 2019