The damaged Marlow Bridge will reopen next week, according to Bucks County Council's transport chief. 

Cllr Mark Shaw said the bridge, which has been closed since September 24 after a HGV driver attempted to cross it, will reopen on November 25. 

He said: "The damage is not nearly as bad as it could have been. We are confident that the bridge is safe and secure for all vehicles to use." 

Engineers have been examining every part of the structure since the 37-tonne lorry, owned by the Lithuanian haulage company Girteka, drove through traffic calming measures on the Berkshire side of the weight-restricted bridge. 

Traders in Marlow feared their businesses would not survive if the bridge was closed over the Christmas period.

Cllr Richard Scott said: "As the County Councillor for Marlow, I am delighted to hear that Marlow bridge will open at the end of next week after being closed for two months.

"I have been working closely with Marlow Town Council and others in Marlow to help the businesses that have been severely affected by the closure.

"The lead up to Christmas is a very important time for the Town's retailers, so the re-opening of the bridge will come as a great relief to them.  

"That said, they will have to try to recover lost trade and a promotional programme that will run until after Christmas is currently being put in place. 

"Traders will continue to work with loss assessors to recover profit lost during the period of the bridge closure and beyond. 

"Residents, visitors and commuters will also be pleased that traffic congestion on the Marlow bypass (A404) will be considerably reduced."

During the next week, the bridge will be jet-washed and the areas of paint that were removed for tests will be repainted. 

More to follow.