A six month road closure to rebuild a weakened bridge began in Roydon today.

The structural works, which will see the Fish and Eels Bridge on Dobbs Weir Road, which connects Roydon and Hoddeston, closed until the end of January 2016, began this morning.

The River Lee bridge, which is set to be demolished and rebuilt after ironwork corrosion left it unable to support heavy vehicles, will also see a new permanent footbridge built on the south side of the bridge and a footpath on the north side.

A signed diversion will direct drivers onto sections of Essex Road, Charlton Way, High Road, Station Road, Nazeing New Road, North Street and Sedge Green, while a temporary footpath will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists.

Boats will be allowed to use the River Lee and canal during the construction programme, however an occasional closure of the canal may be required for safety reasons.

Essex County Council’s highways and transportation cabinet member, Cllr Rodney L Bass, said the closure is likely to cause disruption but is necessary as it has “become dangerous for vehicles”.

He said: “Structural surveys have clearly shown the ironwork supporting Fish and Eels Bridge has corroded to the extent that it has become dangerous for vehicles to cross it.

“Especially commercial vans and trucks.

“Inevitably, projects of this kind will lead to disruption and longer journey times, but it is very necessary work and will serve to maintain our highways to the highest possible standard.

“Clearly we need to maintain the safety of everyone who needs to use it.”