HUNDREDS of commuters heading into Taunton this morning (Friday, May 20) drove under a historic railway bridge for the last time ever.

Work starts on taking down the Kingston Loop Bridge on Monday (May 23), when Station Road will be closed to traffic from 5am until 1pm on Friday (May 27).

And work could overspill into the following week - with Tuesday (May 31) until Thursday (June 1) booked in case the scheme isn't completed next week.

Signs warning drivers, pedestrians and cyclists have been in place on roads approaching the bridge for a period.

Somerset County Council has announced the following arrangements, giving drivers, pedestrians and cyclists advanced warning to plan their journeys carefully.

+FOR VEHICLES: a signed diversion route will be in place via the Obridge Viaduct (flyover) - although drivers are free to seek their own alternatives.

+FOR PEDESTRIANS: access will be maintained during working hours (between 6.30am and 11.30pm) using steps and a ramp via Whitehall. Outside working hours, one of the pavements beneath the bridge will re-open for pedestrians.

+FOR PEDESTRIANS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY: construction firm Carillion will provide a shuttle bus.

+PARENTS WITH PRAMS & PUSHCHAIRS: help will be offered using the steps or they can choose to use the shuttle bus.

+CYCLISTS: they can use the diversion for vehicles or have assistance using the pedestrian route.

A new bridge will be installed at a later date to link up the two sides of the Northern Inner Distributor Road conecting Staplegrove Road at Chip Lane with Priory Avenue.

The new road, due to open later this year, aims to relieve traffic congestion in the town centre and along Greenway and Priorswood Roads.

It will also open up access to the derelict Firepool site, where a multi-million pound homes, offices, shops, cinema and leisure facilities development is planned.

Look out for our Bridge Watch updates every day.

Click here for our previous Bridge Watch story.

Let us know what you think - send us your comments and photos or videos to phil.hill@countygazette.co.uk