WORK to establish the best way of repairing a vital road bridge in Bedale is set to be carried out this week.

The bridge which carries the A684 over Bedale Beck has suffered deterioration to its concrete arch units. "This is an important route, and a weight restriction to protect the bridge is simply not an option," said County Councillor John Fort, Executive Member for Highways.

"We need to ensure that the bridge is strengthened, but before we can do that we need to carry out investigatory work to determine the most effective way of repairing the structure."

The investigation will consist of bore holes and trial pits, and will be conducted between 6pm and midnight on Wednesday and Thursday (July 15 and 16). During the operation, the west bound lane of the A684 will be closed, with traffic reduced to single-lane working with lights.