LLECHRYD bridge will not be reopened until it has been fully inspected after suffering structural damage during Storm Dennis.

The bridge over the River Teifi was completely submerged last weekend and Ceredigion highways officials have confirmed it will now remain closed “for the foreseeable future” until a full inspection involving specialist divers can be carried out.

Concrete bollards have now been placed on the road to prevent drivers from going across.

A Ceredigion council spokesperson said: “Initial inspections have highlighted some cracking that has occurred as a result of the storm. Further investigations are required to ascertain the severity of the damage incurred.

“While water levels remain high it is not possible to undertake these further investigations safely and which will require specialist diving contractors.

“The bridge will remain closed to motorised vehicles until such time as the bridge is deemed safe for use.”

Closure and diversion signs are in place.

Llechryd bridge was closed for seven weeks at the end of last year for essential repair work estimated at £100k following damage during the record flooding brought about by Storm Callum in October 2018.

But contractors for the county council were unable to complete all the necessary repairs and work is due to resume in March when the National Resources Wales fisheries embargo preventing work in the river over the winter period has been lifted.

The work required on most of the bridge elements including the wing walls, spandrel, relief arches and parapets had been completed, with further repairs due to be carried out on the main spans arches, abutments, cutwater and invert.