A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge project at Stowlangtoft, near Bury St Edmunds, should be complete by the end of next month, say Suffolk Highways bosses

Works to restore a bridge on a key road should be complete by the end of next month, say highways bosses.

Suffolk Highways is carrying out repairs to ‘ensure the longevity’ of the Bridge Farm Bridge, in Stowlangtoft.

It says since work began in late July, the previous bridge has been demolished for the installation of concrete piles, steel reinforcement, and concrete supports - to form a solid foundation for the new structure.

Businesses in Norton and Stowlangtoft have criticised delays to the project, however, after the original completion date was planned for December 22, last year.

The road, which runs between the A14 at Elmswell and Thetford, has been shut at Stowlangtoft since work began in July.

Highways say in the past week, the beams for the new bridge have been installed, marking a significant milestone on the project.

It says although the scheme suffered ‘unexpected delays’ during the autumn due to an issue with the supply of materials, ‘good progress continues to be made’.

It is anticipated that the new bridge will be completed by the end of February.

The council adds this may be subject to change if the county experiences further adverse weather over the coming months.

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “I am delighted that progress continues to be made on the replacement of Bridge Farm Bridge, an important asset to local residents and other highway users.

“It is worth noting that this is a complex project which has required a lot of additional work, such as the construction of a temporary dam, as well as working within the constraints posed by ecologists to ensure that we continue to protect and enhance Suffolk’s environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to the local community for their patience whilst we complete these essential works.

“Whilst we appreciate that the road closure required to enable us to complete the works has been frustrating, we continue to do all we can to minimise disruption and feel that the long-term benefit of the improved infrastructure outweighs the short-term inconvenience.”