The Shoreham footbridge will have to close for repairs to damage discovered during Storm Bert over the weekend.
A gap in the bridge – known officially as the Adur Ferry Bridge – was spotted on Saturday lunchtime, and the bridge was later cordoned off.
It was inspected, locked in place and reopened this afternoon – but will need to be closed in the future so repairs can be made.
A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “Following reports of movement on the Adur Ferry Bridge over the weekend, we have carried out a full inspection and assessment.
“The bridge is now locked in place and is safe for pedestrians to use.
“During our inspection, it was noted that the northern joint has moved slightly and needs adjusting. The southern joint and locking mechanism are unaffected and no other damage was found.
“For the required work to be completed it will be necessary to close the bridge and we will inform the public once we have a start date.”
Councillor Joss Loader, who is also chair of Shoreham Beach Residents’ Association, said: “The unscheduled bridge closure caused a lot of concern and inconvenience locally as it is a vital link between Shoreham Beach and the town centre, particularly for those who don’t have access to a car or have mobility issues.
“Unfortunately, there was no direct communication from WSCC over the weekend so some Beach residents were worried about how things would pan out today, as they tried to get to work, school and other essential appointments.
“Thankfully, the situation now appears to be resolved, pending more permanent repairs. We will request that they provide plenty of notice and provide free shuttle buses, to run between Shoreham Beach and the town centre, during that time, as they’ve done in the past.”
