The closure of an iconic bridge in a bid to prevent HGVs abusing the weight limit while work is carried out on the A404 has been welcomed by community figures, who have said it is an “appropriate measure” to take.

Marlow Bridge has been closed overnight since Tuesday this week – it will also be closed tonight from 10pm and will reopen again tomorrow (Saturday) at 6am.

Transport for Bucks (TfB) said it was taking “preventative measures” to make sure a repeat of the 2016 incident, when a 37-tonne lorry damaged the bridge, does not happen again while the A404 undergoes lining works.

Marlow Chamber of Commerce president Aimee Smith welcomed the move, saying: “If it is left open it does leave people [with overweight vehicles] the option of using it.

“We are still getting some overweight vehicles using the bridge. It will be a solid deterrent to stop anyone tempted to use it as a shortcut.

“If anything happens to the bridge again, it will affect trade.”

“It isn’t going to be the easiest for people to get around but sometimes we have to do what’s right over what’s easy – and it isn’t within main trade hours so hopefully it shouldn’t affect too many people within the town.”

Marlow mayor Jocelyn Towns agreed with Mrs Smith, saying although the closure was “inconvenient”, she appreciated Bucks County Council protecting the bridge during the works.