Major repairs to Cleveland Bridge in Bath are due to start this month and could have an adverse impact on the county, according to Wiltshire Council.

From Monday, June 28, the A36 Cleveland Bridge will be closed as it undergoes a £3.8m repair project with works expected to last until September.

This means that much of the existing traffic across the bridge must be re-routed with the result being “potential adverse impact” on Wiltshire roads.

Wiltshire Council has said it has not agreed to the use of the county’s road network for any signed diversion routes.

READ MORE: Trowbridge Town Council reacts to Doric Park being given the go-ahead

Cabinet member for transport, Dr Mark McClelland said: “All of the existing 18t diverted traffic signage currently on our network will be removed by Bath and North East Somerset Council prior to the road closure.

“In order to discourage any unsuitable additional traffic, we have taken the decision to erect some temporary signage at a number of locations on our roads.

“These signs will be in place by Sunday, June 27, and will remain for the duration of the bridge closure.

“We will be monitoring the situation on our local roads throughout the Cleveland Bridge closure and may consider additional measures if this is deemed necessary.”

Around 17,000 vehicles pass over the bridge every day.

Despite regular maintenance, a spokesman for Bath & North East Somerset Council said the bridge “needs extensive major structural repairs for it to continue to function safely and preserve its heritage value.”

ALSO READ: Wiltshire Police have handed out more than 800 Covid fines since the pandemic began

Mayor of Bradford on Avon, Sarah Gibson said: “Wiltshire Council Highways will place signage to try and deter motorists from using Bradford on Avon as a diversion.

“However this closure may push more traffic through the town, so it is worth considering other means of transport for that period.”

The B&NES spokesman said: “The bridge will close at one minute past midnight on Monday, June 28 and it is anticipated the work could take around three months before reverting to temporary signals.”

Renovation works on the Grade II listed bridge have continued since May with temporary signals used to allow for scaffolding to be put up.

Updates to the works can be found here.