A BRIDGE in a Fenland village will be closed in the New Year for 16 weeks for strengthening and safety improvements. The bridge in St John s Fen End, near Wisbech, which carries School Road over Forty Foot Drain, will be closed to traffic from January 4.

A BRIDGE in a Fenland village will be closed in the New Year for 16 weeks for strengthening and safety improvements.

The bridge in St John's Fen End, near Wisbech, which carries School Road over Forty Foot Drain, will be closed to traffic from January 4.

It has weak edges and sub-standard parapets and will cost about �185,000 to improve.

Work on the bridge, known as Forty Foot Engine No 2 Bridge, is being carried out for Norfolk County Council by May Gurney.

A signed diversion will be in place via Smeeth Road, School Road and Middle Drove Road.

A county council spokesman said: "Norfolk County Council apologises for the inconvenience caused by the road closure during this essential improvement project.