Bridge repair planned after nine-month lane closure

Repairs are planned in the autumn to a bridge which was damaged by a lorry in January.

The lorry was carrying a digger when it struck the Watchorn Roundabout above the A38 dual carriageway in Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Following an initial full closure by National Highways, one of the roundabout's two lanes has remained shut for more than nine months.

In January, the roads authority said the work would take "time to plan and deliver".

Further works have now been scheduled that will allow both lanes to reopen ahead of a full repair.

While a timetable has not been released, Derbyshire County Council has listed roadworks at Watchorn Roundabout over 5-6 October, 2-3 November and 7-8 December.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The lorry strike at the Watchorn island bridge in January caused significant damage to the bridge.

"The repairs are complex due to the extent of the damage and therefore single lane traffic has been in place around the roundabout for safety reasons while we progressed plans for the repair work.

"Some works to strengthen the structure are planned in the coming months, which will allow us to open up to two lanes of traffic once again until a full repair is carried out."

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.