Historic Bidford Bridge is closed to traffic after Uber damages it and becomes wedged
Bidford Bridge has been damaged by an Uber car crashing into it and becoming wedged early this morning.
While the car has not been able to be removed yet, it has been budged enough to allow pedestrians and cyclists access. The latest update comes after an inspection from Warwickshire County Council’s bridge engineer.
Councillor Daren Pemberton said: “I have been with the county council engineer and can update as follows. The car has been moved sufficiently to allow a pedestrian access this afternoon. The car will be barriered off later this afternoon. It cannot be moved safely until Monday.
“There is significant damage to the bridge and will take some time to be assessed and the work itself will also take some time As a result the bridge will be closed to vehicles indefinitely.
“Once the car has been removed heavy duty barriers will be put in place to preclude vehicle use. Temporary road signs are going in at Barton crossroads and at the fire station island. A formal diversion will be in place from Monday.”
Praising those who helped with the situation, Cllr Pemberton said: “I also just want to thank the county surveyor, WCC clear up team, the PCSO and the Big Meadow security guys for all their hard work today.”
A small piece of good news is that Sunday’s duck race will go ahead at 3pm as planned.
Cllr Pemberton added: “This access will allow the duck race to go ahead and I have spoken with one of the organisers this morning at the bridge and they will have a plan to launch the ducks.”
The incident with the Uber occurred early this morning, and has caused widespread concern over the delays that will be caused.
Responding to a post on Facebook, Denni Sullivan said: “It's made some very concerning cracks in the bridge. They [waited] for a structural engineer before the attempt to move the car. Bidford will most likely suffer a long bridge closure again now while it is repaired. Hope the businesses can cope with the hit.”
It was unclear how the Uber driver managed to get his car wedged, but speculation was that he clipped the side of the bridge which spun the car, causing it to be wedge in the narrow roadway.
Simon Barrier shared a picture of some of the damage, which showed a gap had formed between the road and bridge. He observed: “It’s not minimal ,it’s cracked down to the bottom again!”
The Grade I listed bridge dates back to medieval times. Residents know all too well the misery of its closure.
It was shut after being partially destroyed in June 2015 when an agricultural vehicle crashed into a wall of the structure and sent masonry flying into the River Avon below. The bridge had to be closed for several months while specialist repair work was carried out, which cost around £390,000.
The bridge was also damaged in 2021 by a ‘trade vehicle’ although it largely remained open to traffic during repairs to a parapet.
Commenting on the current crisis, Amanda Griffiths said: “I hate to be that person, but do we think the council should be less concerned about the meadow and more concerned about the only easy way to get to it being constantly damaged?”
