Next week, cllrs will discuss a funding bid for a historic Staffordshire bridge.

The county council will consider the submission of Chetwynd Bridge to the Government's Structure's Fund and will be asked to decide what must be done to deliver the scheme if the bid is successful.

The grade two listed bridge is historically significant, being the largest cast-iron bridge built before 1830 that still survives in England.

The proposal, which includes a new bridge to divert traffic from Chetwynd Bridge, would help keep the route open and ensure traffic can continue to use the important route.

Locals don't need to worry as the Chetwynd Bridge would be protected and still open to pedestrians.

The project would cost £46.358 million and the council has asked the Department for Transport for a £40.358 million contribution toward the scheme.

If government funding is granted, the rest of the cash would come from the council's Integrated Transport Fund.

In August this year, planning permission was granted for the proposal and if funding is secured and the remaining land, access and contract arrangements are completed, construction is expected to run from April 2027 to December 2029.

If the bid is unsuccessful, the council will ensure the bridge is ready for another funding opportunity by continuing to develop the scheme using existing grants.

Cllr Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said: "Chetwynd Bridge is an important route and a nationally significant heritage asset, so it is vital we take the right long-term approach.

"Our bid to Government would help us deliver a new bypass structure, keep this key route open, support the local economy and protect the existing Grade two listed bridge for pedestrians and future generations.

"Chetwynd is very important, but it is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Our Roadmap to a Better Network shows that years of wear and tear have caused even greater problems for bridges and other structures than for our roads.

"We look after around 3,600 structures, including bridges, retaining walls and underpasses.

"Other important structures are also deteriorating and could need restrictions or cause disruption in the future.

"We estimate that it would cost £618 million to bring Staffordshire's highway structures into good condition.

"At current funding levels, it would take 515 years to complete this work.

"Councils cannot afford costs on this scale from existing local budgets, so long-term government investment in our ageing infrastructure is essential."