Historic city bridge closed off

The bridge was built in about 1387

One of Chester's most famous landmarks has been closed.

The historic Old Dee Bridge is shut to traffic to allow the National Grid to carry out work to renew gas mains serving the city.

The work is required "urgently" to meet Health and Safety Executive demands, Chester City Council said.

Cyclists and walkers will still have access over the 14th Century bridge. The work is expected to be finished by 1 September.

Gas mains are being renewed from Mill Street, Handbridge, over the bridge along Lower Bridge Street to its junction with Pepper Street and Bridge Street.

Roman plan

Leaflets will be dropped door to door at about 10,000 homes and businesses expected to be affected by the work.

Craig Horrocks, National Grid contract manager, said: "The work has to be timed for the summer months when demand for gas is low.

"Engineers can then isolate sections of main and insert the new plastic pipe, avoiding the need for open excavations and turning off supplies."

The full replacement will taken until mid November unless archaeological surveys are necessary due to the history of the area.

Eveleigh Moore Dutton, Cheshire's Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "Such projects within a city plan laid down by the Romans are always going to cause some disruption to 21st century traffic."

The bridge was built in around 1387 and replaced wooden structures built by the Romans.