Residents and visitors to the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bibury have been forewarned of a forthcoming closure of Swan Bridge, a vital crossing on the main road through the village. Gloucestershire County Council announced that Swan Bridge will be closed from 14 to 16 September to allow for essential safety inspections.
The closure is expected to cause significant disruption for locals, with the bridge acting as a primary access route. Swan Bridge is not only important for residents but also supports the high volume of tourists who flock to Bibury, a village famed for its scenic charm. Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the impact of tourism, noting that visiting coaches often park inconsiderately and vehicles can be left unattended.
During the three-day closure, specialist teams will undertake detailed investigations, including the creation of trial holes in and around the bridge’s structure. These inspections are in response to recent assessments which revealed that previous conclusions about the bridge’s condition were based in part on assumptions concerning its construction methods and materials.
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Currently, there are no indications of an immediate safety risk; however, these inspections aim to provide engineers with more accurate and direct information on the bridge’s condition to ensure its continued safety and preservation.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, acknowledged the inconvenience the closure will cause but emphasised the priority of public safety. She said, “We appreciate the disruption this will cause to residents, businesses and visitors alike, but the safety of everyone using Swan Bridge is paramount. The bridge has been under regular monitoring, and these additional investigations are necessary to safeguard this important historic structure.”
She added that the council has sought to keep the closure period as short as possible and maintained ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, including the Bibury One group. The council has expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding throughout the essential maintenance work.
Gloucestershire County Council remains committed to minimising the impact of the closure and ensuring that the work is completed efficiently to allow the bridge to reopen promptly.