Work underway to install new heritage lanterns on Stourport Bridge
The new lanterns will replace the original Grade II listed fittings, which were removed in 2024 due to significant deterioration
Work has started on a historical Worcestershire bridge to restore a piece of its history.
New heritage lanterns are set to be installed on Stourport Bridge to replace the original Grade II listed fittings which were removed in 2024 due to significant deterioration.
Worcestershire County Council is overseeing the works which includes repainting existing lamp columns and putting up 18 new lanterns in total, six on the bridge itself and six on either side along the approach roads.
Temporary lighting has been in place since their removal while the heritage-style replacements were manufactured.
"Stourport Bridge is one of the district’s most cherished structures, and these new lanterns honour that legacy while bringing our lighting standards up to date," said councillor Karl Perks who's the cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport.
"The work is really important because in the town itself we've got the canal basin which goes back to the Victorian and the Georgian times so it's keeping that heritage so that everyone that lives here and comes to experience a day out gets to see and feel some of that.
"They are going up to replace the temporary lights that have been in place but overall they're there to update what was done in the mid 90s to maintain the heritage for the town and the site itself."Â
The new lanterns have been produced by the original manufacturer to 'ensure authenticity and meticulous attention to detail' and include modern LED optics for improved energy efficiency, frosted rear panels to meet local ecology guidelines, and reinforced spigots for enhanced durability.
Work started on Monday 11 August and is expected to take the week to complete depending on the weather.
Starting at the Astley end of the bridge and progressing towards Stourport, the installation is being carried out under temporary traffic lights, starting with three-way lights for approximately two days before switching to two-way lights as work moves along the bridge.