A STRUCTURAL inspection of Tavistock Viaduct to check the condition of the arches has been planned for the spring.

Every ten years the viaduct has a Principal Structural Inspection to check it’s safe and in good order. The viaduct, owned by West Devon Borough Council, is a visible and impressive feature of the Tavistock landscape. To make sure the eight arches and the bridge of the viaduct are in good order, a structural inspection has been planned to start on Monday April 1, for two weeks.

This principal inspection needs specialist contractors to check the bridge from all angles, sometimes using ropes to get to those hard to reach places.

Temporary road closures and some parking restrictions will be needed for short periods along Quant Park, Drake Road, Taylor Square and King Street during the works to provide safe access for workers and residents.

These closures will be carried out by an appointed traffic management contractor, one at a time during day time hours, with each one expected to last around two days. These will be clearly advertised on road signs nearer the time. Residents living in streets more affected around the viaduct will receive further information through their door soon.

West Devon Borough Council will also be looking into options for overnight lighting on the viaduct after mixed feedback from residents about what they preferred. The council is costing up options for leaving the lights on all night as they are currently, as well as looking into turning them off or dimming them between 1am and 5am A decision will be made shortly.

A council spokesperson said: ‘It will take two weeks to make sure it’s safe for the next ten years with as little disruption as possible to residents living nearby and drivers travelling the roads below. We thank residents for their patience during these essential works.’