Work to refurbish a bridge on a key travel route may take up to 20 weeks if plans for the project are approved.

Subject to planning permission, the historic Cookham bridge could close from October for "essential maintenance" including bearing replacement, re-waterproofing, resurfacing and joint replacement.

The bridge is due to close on Monday, October 16 for approximately 20 weeks to motor vehicles during the work.

Pedestrian access will remain and cyclists will need to dismount before crossing the bridge.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have announced a series of drop-in events for residents to find out more about the Cookham Bridge work.

These will be held at:

  • Tuesday, July 18 - 4pm to 7pm (Holy Trinity Church, Ferry Lane, Cookham)
  • Wednesday, July 26 - 4pm to 7pm (Bourne End Community Centre, Wakeman Road)
  • Monday, September 4 - 4pm to 7pm (Holy Trinity Church, Ferry Lane, Cookham)
  • Tuesday, September 5 - 4pm to 7pm (Bourne End Community Centre)

Proposals for the bridge works set out how the important refurbishment project will help extend the life of the Grade II* listed structure, ensuring the bridge continues to serve the community for many years to come and will avoid more disruptive work in future years.

The council have stated: "Access to any properties or business within the closure area will be maintained at all times."

If the works are approved, a diversion route will follow the A4094 south from Cookham, west along the A4 Bath Road, north on the A404, and then along the A4155 Marlow Road, with this route in reverse for traffic on the northern side of the bridge.

Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Routine inspections have identified the need for essential maintenance to this historic bridge.

"If left unattended, extensive and longer-term strengthening works would be required in future.

"By making this investment now, we can ensure the bridge is fit for purpose for everyone to use for decades to come and avoid more disruptive work in future years.

"While I understand that a project of this scale will bring some temporary disruption for road users, residents and businesses in the area, we will be striving to keep this to a minimum and will be working hard to provide as much information as possible both locally, and to surrounding communities, in a clear and timely manner in advance of any work taking place, and as this project proceeds."