Engineers inspecting Marlow Bridge for damage say further tests are needed after three parts of it were identified as a "cause for concern." 

Supports above and beneath the road surface of the bridge - which has a three-tonne weight limit - were "significantly overstressed" when a 37-tonne lorry tried to cross it on Saturday (September 24). 

Surveyors have now ordered more tests to be done after resonance hammer tests and visual inspections found three areas above and below the bridge deck that are giving cause for concern. 

Contract director, Simon Dando, said: "The results of our tests showed some of the bridge components didn't ring true, and our key concern is the risk of failure through metal fatigue." 

Ultrasound and magnetic particle inspections will take place this week, with the analysis expected next week. 

Engineers will then know whether they need to remove the affected bridge parts for more testing, and results from those tests could be available within a month.

Mark Shaw, Bucks County Council's transport cabinet member said: "I do understand the inconvenience this means for our residents and businesses, but I do know that nothing less than the most stringent of tests and analysis would be expected of us so that we're absolutely certain about the repairs needed to get the bridge back into a safe working order.

"We've got highly experienced engineers working on these exhaustive tests, which will take some time, and I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.

"We're aiming to get the bridge open to vehicles as soon as possible, but my chief concerns are the safety and security of those who use it."

While tests are being done the bridge will be kept open to pedestrians and cyclists.