A HISTORIC bridge will close later this month for investigation works ahead of its controversial replacement.

Finchingfield Bridge will be shut to traffic for 24 hours a day from 7am on Monday, February 18 until 7pm on Friday, February 22.

It is to allow workers to carry out preparation work before the bridge is knocked down and replaced – possibly this summer.

A diversion will be in place and highways bosses at Essex County Council say arrangements have been made with bus operators.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We have been working with the bus operators regarding the forthcoming closure so that adjustments can be made to their bus services.

“Provisions have been made for an interconnecting replacement shuttle bus service – number nine and 16 – to be available.”