A signed diversion will operate via the B4033 Great Horwood, down to Winslow, then back up towards Buckingham on the A413.

Buckingham County Council says the closure is due to safety concerns over a settlement problem, which was identified a few weeks ago, and which has been monitored while consultants' advice was sought. A monitoring inspection late last week showed that the settlement had deteriorated rapidly, and the implementation of traffic restrictions has been made for safety reasons.

On Friday last week traffic lights and a barrier were installed to slow traffic speeds over the bridge, whilst preparations were made to start repairs. The planned works involve excavating around four metres down from the road surface, and removing the fill that was placed behind the bridge abutment during construction in the early 1970s. This cannot be done safely under traffic lights, so a road closure is required.

New drainage will be installed to avoid a similar problem developing and improve future maintenance operations.

For more information, call Highways on 0845 230 2882 or visit www.buckscc.gov/hoc