DESIGNS have been put forward for a replacement bridge to be installed across a picturesque river despite a campaign to save the original.

Boxted Bridge carries Wick Road and Lower Farm Road over the River Stour and campaigners have been urging Essex County Council to save it despite it being in a dangerous condition.

The council’s Highways department inspected the bridge in 2018, finding major faults requiring urgent works, stating it is in a “weak condition”.

But more than 4,000 determined supporters signed a petition calling for the 117-year-old bridge not to be pulled down.

Gazette: Cracks were measured by Essex Highways Cracks were measured by Essex Highways

It has now revealed proposals for a replacement bridge will soon be published, following detailed surveys and investigations by Highways engineers.

A spokesman for the council said it is expected to be visually “very similar” to the existing bridge, while complying with current standards and safety for road users and nearby private properties.

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He continued: “Options to improve the existing structure have been carefully considered and Essex Highway’s recommendation to replace the bridge was independently verified by experts earlier this year.

“Engineers have also taken on board feedback from Boxted Parish Council to retain the trapezoidal view of the bridge and to establish whether the junction alignment could be improved.

“As a result, further road alignment surveys and structural analysis have been carried out as the trapezoidal plan, with the carriageway being wider on the south of the structure in comparison to the north, requires a thicker bridge deck.”

As part of the design plans, Highways is now working to reduce the soffit level of the bridge while allowing a road alignment which does not affect access to nearby properties.

A change to the bridge deck type has also been considered by planners to help alleviate the impact to the waterway by reducing the overall size of the deck.

The spokesman added: “Essex Highways remains committed to proposing the best long-term solution for the crossing point and for the rural community it serves.”

You can keep up-to-date with the progress via bit.ly/3D0FAyg.