Alrewas drivers face a bridge funding decision

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-03 18:12 Updated: 18:40 3 min read

Long exposure photography showing light streaks on a historic UK stone bridge at night.

Chetwynd Bridge is already operating under weight and width restrictions as Staffordshire County Council tries to slow the deterioration of the historic crossing near Alrewas. Its future now rests partly on a government funding decision that could reshape a key road link between the A38 corridor and Tamworth.

The council submitted the Grade II* listed bridge to the Government Structures Fund on 3 August 2026. Its £46 million proposal would provide a separate road bridge while preserving the existing structure as a footbridge.

The application includes a costed business case and design. It is also supported by local MPs, the National Memorial Arboretum and nearby Catton Park, according to the council.

Restrictions are protecting a deteriorating crossing

The current weight and width controls are intended to reduce pressure on Chetwynd Bridge. The council has not provided the precise limits in its announcement, but says some vehicles continue to disregard the restrictions, adding to the structure’s deterioration.

Officers have warned that failure to secure funding could leave the authority considering permanent closure. That is a contingency rather than an announced closure decision, and no closure date has been set.

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said continued deterioration and non-compliance with the restrictions could force the authority to examine other options if the bid fails.

Alrewas drivers face a bridge funding decision

New road bridge would leave the listed span for walkers

Under the proposal, a new bridge would be constructed close to Chetwynd Bridge and take road traffic. The listed crossing would remain in place as a footbridge, separating its heritage role from the demands of the vehicle route.

That arrangement would retain a direct connection used by residents, businesses and visitors travelling between the Alrewas and A38 area and Tamworth. It would also maintain access towards the National Memorial Arboretum, for which the crossing serves as a gateway.

The council has not yet published construction-stage traffic arrangements, proposed diversions or detailed road capacity information. Those practical details would become relevant if funding is approved and the project moves into delivery.

£6 million local contribution within a £46 million plan

Staffordshire County Council estimates the complete scheme would cost £46 million. It has committed to contributing £6 million if the application succeeds—about 13% of the estimated total.

Project detail	Confirmed position
Estimated scheme cost	£46 million
Council contribution	£6 million if the bid succeeds
Existing Chetwynd Bridge	Retained as a footbridge
Expected funding decision	Likely in autumn 2026
Potential new bridge opening	Late 2029 if the bid succeeds

The announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown for the remaining £40 million difference between the estimated project cost and the council’s proposed contribution.

The route links Alrewas, the A38 and Tamworth

The bridge supports movement between the Alrewas and A38 corridor and Tamworth, placing the funding decision beyond a single heritage repair. Losing the crossing would affect a route used by surrounding communities, local businesses and people visiting major nearby attractions.

The replacement proposal is designed to keep that road connection operating while reducing vehicle pressure on the listed structure. It would not remove Chetwynd Bridge from the landscape or demolish it under the plan described by the council.

The bid also sits within a wider maintenance problem. Staffordshire County Council says it manages more than 500 structures that are over a century old and claims that, at current funding levels, repairing all of them would take more than 500 years. It is using the Chetwynd application to renew its call for a long-term national fund for ageing road structures.

Autumn funding decision sets the timetable

The Department for Transport is expected to identify successful Structures Fund bids during autumn 2026. If Chetwynd Bridge is selected and the scheme proceeds as proposed, the council expects the new crossing to open in late 2029.

Source: Staffordshire County Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The reported costs, restrictions, proposed bridge arrangement and timetable were checked against Staffordshire County Council’s published announcement.

Checks

Confirmed the £46 million estimated cost and conditional £6 million council contribution.
Confirmed that a new road bridge is proposed while Chetwynd Bridge would remain as a footb...
Distinguished the council’s closure warning from a confirmed closure decision.
Confirmed that a funding result is expected in autumn 2026 and opening is projected for la...

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