MORE repair work is due to start on Shaldon Bridge after underwater inspections revealed new erosion.

Divers were brought in by Devon County Council to carry out checks on the Victorian bridge looking at previous underwater repairs and inspect for any other problems. 

Defects were first identified in 2022 which led to urgent repair work to four of the concrete columns which support the structure.

Work finished a year ago on the emergency repairs. 

The latest detailed inspection looked at the underside and piles of the Grade II listed bridge within the main channel of the river.

While on site, engineers took the opportunity to remove loose concrete to the underside of the main beams for safety.

The underwater dive inspection showed the repairs to the bridge columns had been a success.

But is also showed that there is new erosion of the riverbed around a different column which needs repairing. 

A spokesman for the authority said: ‘For the continued safety and maintenance of the structure and safety of the travelling public, we will be undertaking underwater repairs to protect this column. 

‘This will be very similar to the previous successful underwater repairs.’

Work is expected to start in the next few weeks when materials needed have been delivered. 

The repair will be conducted from under the bridge. 

To allow for underwater concrete pouring, traffic lights will be in place on the bridge for a few hours on two separate occasions.