WORK to replace a weak bridge has been delayed by at least four months.
The work to Lexden Bridge in Spring Lane, Colchester, was originally due to start in August.
As a result Essex County Council said the busy Spring Lane cut-through between Colchester and Braiswick would be shut for six months.
A council spokesman said: “Whilst the works on Lexden Bridge were originally due to be undertaken in August 2012, additional exploratory works have subsequently been identified and the overall construction programme has been postponed until the beginning of 2013.
“During the works, a signed diversionary route will be put in place and all efforts will be made to keep highways disruption to a minimum.
“A temporary footbridge will also be installed opposite to the work site to maintain pedestrian access.”
The iron bridge, installed in 1904, carries Spring Lane over an overflow channel of the River Colne.
A three-tonne weight limit has been imposed on the bridge, but engineers have found even that is too much.
The council said it had no choice but to replace the bridge as it would pose a risk to users if left untouched.
The replacement bridge programme will take 28 weeks – and will mean that section of road will be closed to traffic.