Bidford Bridge in Warwickshire has been closed to traffic after an Uber car crashed into it and became wedged early this morning. While the car has not yet been removed, it has been moved enough to allow pedestrians and cyclists to access the bridge. The latest update comes after an inspection from the Warwickshire County Council’s bridge engineer.
Councillor Daren Pemberton provided an update, stating that the car has been shifted to allow pedestrian access and will be barriered off later in the day. However, it cannot be safely removed until Monday. The bridge has sustained significant damage, and a thorough assessment will be required before repair work can begin. As a result, the bridge will be closed indefinitely to vehicles.
Once the car is removed, heavy-duty barriers will be installed to prevent further vehicle use. Temporary road signs are being placed at key locations to inform drivers of the closure, and a formal diversion will be in place starting Monday. Despite the bridge closure, the scheduled duck race on Sunday will proceed as planned.
The incident has caused concern among residents, with many worried about the potential delays and impact on local businesses. A cyclist who witnessed the aftermath of the crash shared a photo showing the damage caused to the bridge. Speculation suggests that the Uber driver may have clipped the side of the bridge, causing the car to spin and become wedged in the narrow roadway.
Bidford Bridge, a Grade I listed structure dating back to medieval times, has a history of being damaged in accidents. In June 2015, the bridge was partially destroyed when an agricultural vehicle crashed into it, leading to months of repair work and a substantial cost. The bridge was also damaged in 2021 by a trade vehicle, though it remained open to traffic during repairs.
Residents are expressing frustration over the repeated damage to the historic bridge, questioning whether more should be done to protect it from such incidents. Despite the challenges posed by the latest accident, efforts are underway to assess the damage and plan for the necessary repairs to restore the bridge to its former state. The community is rallying together to address the situation and ensure that the necessary measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
