ESSENTIAL works to repair a village bridge have reached the second phase.

The upgrades to White Hart Bridge, in Poole Street, Great Yeldham, started in September last year.

It was estimated the work would take four months, however, the scheme has seen significant delays, with the project now not expected to finish until the summer of this year.

Great Yeldham Parish Council provided an update on its social media page in March, from councillor Peter Schwier.

It said the delay was down to “bad weather and unforeseen issues arising”.

Phase one, which included the construction of the bridge deck on the east side of the bridge, has now been completed, with phase two having already begun.

Phase two involves the construction of the bridge deck on the west side of the bridge.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “White Hart Bridge Great Yeldham.

“The second phase of the bridge deck replacement works are ongoing.

“We are currently installing reinforcements and repairs to the abutments under the structure are in progress.”

Phase three will be the final phase of repairs and will see reinstatement works to the footpath and installation of parapets and safety barriers.

This will include a lane closure with temporary traffic lights and pedestrian diversion in place.

The work comes after Essex Highways said the bridge was generally in a “poor condition” with “corrosion and steel delaminating in areas” and repairs also required to its brickwork and parapets. 

The bridge deck was also in a weakened condition and needed replacing. The new deck will be comprised of a reinforced concrete slab.