POLICE PROBE
Gaping hole in historic bridge
Police are investigating after a gaping hole appeared in the wall of historic Teston Bridge, forcing it to shut.
Initially it was believed that the crossing was damaged by storms, but police are now considering the possibility it may have been caused by a vehicle.
Engineers were called to the single-lane bridge last Thursday after the void was discovered.
Police closed the crossing on Thursday evening because of safety concerns. Rush-hour traffic on Friday morning was forced to use alternative routes, making journeys along roads such as the A26 Tonbridge Road slow going.
On Friday, temporary safety barriers were erected on the bridge over the Medway, which is medieval in origin but was widened in 1749, and it had reopened by early afternoon.
One driver claimed a road sweeper had clipped the structure, and that the incident had been caught on a dashcam. However, the footage viewed by the KM has proved inconclusive.
Maidstone Borough Council denied one of its vehicles was responsible. A spokesman said: “We are happy to confirm that none of our street sweeping vehicles was involved in the incident on Teston Bridge on Thursday.
“Some other organisations operate street sweepers, such as developers, who are obliged to clean the road of mud from their building sites. If it was this type of vehicle involved, we can only assume it may have be one of theirs.”
Kent County Council, which is responsible for repairing the damage, estimates that the reconstruction is likely to cost around £20,000.
A spokesman said: “Teston Bridge is Grade I listed and an ancient monument and therefore requires scheduled monument consent from Historic England before repair work can begin.
“It is likely to take eight to 12 weeks to finalise these consents.”
The bridge will have to close to allow works to be completed, but KCC said advance warning would be given.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01622 604100 quoting 23-1080, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.