Work is due to start next week to clear undergrowth and rubble from a disused railway bridge to allow engineers to carry out a full structural assessment.

Derbyshire County Council has organised the work because of safety concerns about the bridge over the A610 at Sawmills between Ambergate and Ripley.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Councillor Chris Jackson said: "Since 1988 more than 20 lorries have hit the bridge that we are aware of and some of these have turned over.

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"Despite 13 different warning signs between the A38 and the bridge many more lorries cause traffic problems by backing up when the drivers realise they cannot get under.

"We're looking at what we can do to improve safety and this may mean that the bridge could be raised or removed."

The bridge was built to carry the former Ambergate to Pye Bridge railway line which opened in 1875. Passenger services were withdrawn on this line in 1947 and freight in 1968. The bridge weighs around 250 tonnes and is made of steel and concrete.

Following approval from Network Rail the three-day clearance work will start on Wednesday 2 March.

(CD/GK)