THE A1101 will be closed in a Fenland village tomorrow for emergency repairs to a bridge surfacing and for waterproofing work.

Weather permitting, the busy commuter route will be closed at Upwell Church Bridge, near the Five Bells pub.

The waterproofing is designed to prevent corrosion of steel reinforcement in the concrete, which is triggered by contact with salt water.

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: “It is therefore important that this vital work is carried out before winter gritting begins.

“The road will be closed to all vehicles from 9am until around midnight, with a local signed diversion route in place.”

The waterproofing repairs have to be carried out by specialist contractors. The spokesman said: “By carrying out the works at the same time as already planned works at Nordelph Bridge, significant financial savings will be made.”

Work will include removing some surfacing from the bridge, cleaning of exposed structural concrete, repair of the waterproofing membrane and resurfacing of the carriageway.

“Unfortunately the road has to be closed in order for the works to be carried out,” said the spokesman. “As this work has to be done in dry weather, if weather conditions are bad, the work will be rescheduled for another date.”

The work will be carried out by May Gurney as part of the Norfolk Strategic Partnership.