DRIVERS will face a diversion of up to 26 miles when a bridge closes for repair next month.

The bridge on the A465 between Hereford and Bromyard, over the River Lodon at Stoke Lacy, will close for up to eight weeks on Monday, August 12 for strengthening works.

The diversion, which has to be on A-roads, will take drivers back to Bromyard, then on the A44 to Leominster. They will then be signposted to Hope-under-Dinmore to take the A417 to Burley Gate and then rejoin the A465.

This means the signposted diversion will result in a 26-mile detour to get from one side of the bridge to the other.

Hereford Times: The diversion for when the A465 closes in Stoke Lacy next month. Photo: Herefordshire Council / Balfour Beatty Living PlacesThe diversion for when the A465 closes in Stoke Lacy next month. Photo: Herefordshire Council / Balfour Beatty Living Places

Graphic courtesy Herefordshire Council/Balfour Beatty Living Places

Drivers using local routes are urged to be careful.

In March, Herefordshire Council said workers would dig down to the original arch of the bridge and install a new concrete ‘saddle’ before resurfacing it.