600-year-old Teston Bridge has been closed for a few weeks to allow for structural repairs following crash damage earlier this year
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00:00It's one of Kent's prettiest bridges, crossing the River Medway and on the outskirts of rural
00:05Maidstone. It's now looking ugly for drivers. Crash damaged earlier this year has closed
00:11Teaston Bridge and with other roads soon to be shut for repairs, residents say it's causing
00:17a nightmare, some reporting up to two hour delays.
00:22I mean I have to go to the hospital regularly for oncology treatment and often if Fords
00:27Lane is shut or Dean Street is shut or the bridge is shut, that makes me have to plan
00:31my journey, leave sometimes a lot earlier than I would and if my appointment is at nine
00:35o'clock I'm sometimes leaving the house just after eight to get to an oncology appointment
00:39at nine, which is four miles.
00:42Teaston Bridge would have once transported animals and goods into Maidstone.
00:47Little has changed this bridge in its 600 year history other than it being tarmacked
00:53and some tens of thousands of vehicles coming over it every month.
00:58And the local parish council say because of this historic nature it could be December
01:03before traffic flows once more.
01:06Because it's a grade one listed bridge they need to use lime render and mortar etc. for
01:12the stones which is all Kentish ragstone and they have to comply with English heritage
01:17and regulations and I've been told that it takes longer for the mortar to cure when you
01:23use lime than you do with sort of modern day mortars and stuff.
01:27It's still open to those on foot but cars wishing to cross the Medway are having to
01:31use both East Farley and Bow Bridge, both routes closing at points for repairs at the
01:37same time work is being carried out here at Teaston.
01:42The local county councillor worries these combined closures will cause chaos.
01:47It is a common thoroughfare for traffic crossing the river and is a very effective bridge.
01:56The problem we have now is that what I am concerned about with two of the key arteries
02:01closed where does the traffic go?
02:04I just wish really that common sense would prevail.
02:07In a statement the man in charge of highways at Kent County Council says the work is essential
02:12and crucial but he appreciates there will be unavoidable delays whilst the work is undertaken.
02:18For residents they'll be hoping for favourable weather this November as that could mean lime
02:22mortar repairs drying quicker and therefore the bridge opening sooner.
02:27Gabriel Morris in Teaston.