Somerset "Badger Sett" Bridge to Re-Open

14 Sept 2004 - BBC News

A bridge in Weston-super-Mare which was shut while a badger sett was relocated is due to re-open on Tuesday.

Hutton Moor bridge was first closed in May after damage by a burst water main made it unsafe for cars.

A badger sett was discovered on the south side of the bridge in June, further delaying repairs while the animals were relocated.

The £45,000 remedial work includes the installation of sheet piles along 45m of the embankment to prevent slippage.

After the discovery of the badger sett, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that work could not get underway until the animals had left.

One-way gates were installed at the sett entrance allowing the badgers to leave.

Scheduled work on the safety barrier has been brought forward and carried out while the bridge was closed.

North Somerset Council has worked with Bristol Water and Network Rail to get the bridge open.

The council's executive member for strategic planning, Cllr Peter Burden said: "The repair work has actually been completed 10 days ahead of schedule."

For more information, please click the following link:

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/3653714.stm