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Marlow Bridge reopens to cars after three month closure

Credit: ITV news

Finishing touches have been made to Marlow Bridge this week in preparation for its reopening today. Three coats of paint have been given to exposed steelwork and scaffolding has been removed from the two bridge towers

Buckinghamshire County Council Chairman Val Letheren and Town Mayor Bob Johnson will be first to drive across the reopened bridge after a ribbon cutting ceremony. The bridge, with a three-tonne weight limit, has been closed for extensive inspection and stress-testing since a 37-tonne lorry tried to cross it on September 24th. The bridge was closed to all but pedestrians and cyclists.

Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council's Transport Cabinet Member said: 'I do understand the inconvenience this closure has meant for our residents and businesses, but I know that nothing less than the most stringent of tests and analysis were expected of us so that we were absolutely certain about what was needed to enable us to reopen it in a safe and secure condition.'

Transport Cabinet Member Mark Shaw said: 'I'm delighted we've been able to open ahead of the Christmas trading, which is good news for everyone. I'm pleased we have the confidence of a thorough structural engineers' report that the bridge is safe to use.'