THE tendering process for the £6m rebuild of the Chislehurst road bridge is now underway following final design approval.

Bromley Council has drawn up a shortlist of contractors for the project which is expected to start in October.

The work is deemed necessary after inspections of the Chislehurst Road/ Orpington Road (A208) bridge found there was deterioration to the posts holding up the bridge.

Once the contractor has been appointed and a works timetable has been agreed, the council will publicise the schedule so residents and motorists are aware of the plans.

Executive councillor for the environment Colin Smith says the bridge will be closed to traffic for a ‘significant time period’ while the work is carried out.