DISCUSSIONS are underway after a listed bridge was damaged in a crash.

Appleford Bridge in Braxted Road, Rivenhall End, is closed after being hit.

One parapet on the Grade II listed 18th century bridge had been completely destroyed in the accident.

The bridge is used as a major route for people in and around Tiptree and residents are concerned about the impact the road closure will have on journey times.

According to Essex Highways, the road could be closed until October 28 due to the maintenance works on the bridge.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Essex Highways was notified by Essex Police on August 15 Appleford Bridge, carrying Braxted Road near Great Braxted, had been hit.

“An inspector was sent to site to review the damage and discovered that one complete parapet had been demolished.

“Due to the nature of the damage and the narrowness of the road, we implemented a closure for safety reasons on Monday evening.

“The closure has been reinforced with concrete blocks on Thursday.”

Many members of the public felt that traffic lights should be installed on the bridge instead of the current give way system, because of the regularity of collisions on the bridge.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “In respect of the installation of traffic lights, we are looking to commence discussions with Essex County Council.

“However, we would like to highlight that as the bridge is Grade II listed, these discussions would have to include English Heritage.”

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Roger Mannion, a Colchester councillor for Tiptree said: “The bridge is Grade II listed and dates from circa 1767, this means that there will significant difficulty in providing brick material to match the original.

“This is required because of the Grade II listing. Consequently there is likely to be some delay in reopening the road.

“Essex Highways are suggesting that the bridge will not open until the end of October.

“This length of closure will have a significant effect upon Tiptree.

“At this time I am trying to get a more definitive timescale for this repair, much earlier if possible.

“However I am having difficulty in pinning anybody down.

“As and when, I get any updates I will let residents know, in the meantime we will just have to grit our teeth and be patient.”