NATIONAL Highways has said it identified only ‘minor defects’ to Blackpool Overbridge despite concerns that chunks of concrete had come away.

Ashburton resident John Bishop contacted the Mid-Devon Advertiser to voice his concern about the state of several over bridges along the A38, in particular the Blackpool Overbridge.

Mr Bishop says a chuck of concrete had come away from the bridge and, while it had not, at least this time, fallen onto the A38 below, he makes the point that it easily could have.

‘Somebody needs to get to grips with this’ John said.

‘One can only imagine what would happen if a piece were to fall and hit a car’ he added.

The former police officer also raise concerns about the vegetation being left unkept and thus degrading the concrete, not to mention the visual obstruction it causes to drivers.

A report was made to National Highways in 2021 about this very issue; a chunk of concrete broke away from Blackpool Overbridge onto the Exeter-bound side of the road.

But National Highways say that, after an inspection earlier this year, only ‘minor defects’ were found at the bridge near Liverton.

Terry Robinson, South West Engineering Team Manager for National Highways, said: ‘We have a robust inspection regime and examine all our bridges and other structures in line with the published guidance in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges.

‘Bridges and structures are renewed and refurbished as required, the Blackpool overbridge was last inspected early this year and only minor defects identified and no further deterioration since its previous inspection in 2021.

‘We continue to monitor all assets on the strategic road network, including the A38, and in addition, our highways inspectors carry out route safety inspections on a weekly basis and any noticeable defects are reported.’