Drivers should expect to be diverted and delayed when the "weak" bridge at the Old Mill in Bexley High Street is removed and replaced, at the beginning of next year.

Bexley Council annonced today (October 29) that work to remove the existing bridge over the River Cray - and rebuild a new, stronger and slightly wider one will begin on January 7.

The work is being funded by Transport for London, and is expected to last until July next year.

A temporary foot bridge over Mill Pond will be installed next month, in preparation for the works. This should not cause any traffic disruption.

However, from January 7 until the end of February, two-way traffic lights will be in place on the bridge - whilst utility companies divert pipes to the temporary foot bridge.

Part of the High Street will then be closed at the Old Mill for a five-week period whilst the bridge is dismantled, and starts to be re-built.

Bexley High Street businesses will be operating as normal during this time.

During this time, traffic will be diverted in both directions via the A2.

The northbound diversion will be via Vicarage Road, Dartford Road, Old Bexley Lane, the A2 and Bourne Road.

The southbound diversion will be via Bourne Road, the A2, Old Bexley Lane, Dartford Road and Vicarage Road.

London Buses will also be on diversion - discussions are ongoing regarding new routes.

The southbound road should be re-opened in April, allowing traffic to travel from Bexley village towards North Cray.

Northbound traffic will continue to be diverted via Vicarage Road, Dartford Road, Old Bexley Lane, the A2 and Bourne Road, whilst the remainder of the new bridge is built.

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A Bexley Council said if the work is not carried out soon, the bridge could "fail".

The new bridge will still operate under a 7.5 tonne weight restriction - although buses and coaches are exempt.

Residents and businesses will be sent letters with more detailed information in November.

Email engineeringservices@bexley.gov.uk or click here for more information.