THE restoration of Bigsweir Bridge is to take at least a month longer than anticipated after defects were found in some of the ironwork.

Gloucestershire Highways has been carrying out essential structural repairs and repainting the bridge on the A466 near St Briavels since last November.

Since the start weight restrictions have been imposed banning heavy good vehicles and a one-lane system has been introduced for cars.

When paint layers on the bridge were removed, a large number of additional cracks were revealed.

"As the bridge is made of cast iron, repairs to these cracks require a specialised stitching technique," said a spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council.

"Conventional welding would damage the cast iron. The cast iron beams have also needed additional preparation before they can be repainted. 

"Contractors have been working seven days a week since Christmas to ensure these repairs are carried out as quickly as possible. However, the extra repairs needed do mean that work is now scheduled for completion by the end of May, and not by the end of March as originally planned." 

Stan Waddington, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "These works are essential to extend the life of Bigsweir Bridge, which is on a particularly busy road in the Forest. This work will benefit road users and the local community when finished.

"The extra defects we have found have inevitably resulted in delays and we would ask for people's continued patience as we complete these vital repairs. I would also urge HGV drivers to obey the weight restrictions. These are in place for their own safety and that of our workforce."