Marlow Bridge is set to be be manned again at the weekend as a major footbridge into the town is reinstalled after being revamped.

Teams from Transport for Bucks (TfB) will patrol the beloved bridge to stop overweight vehicles from trying to get across.

Highways England has been carrying out essential maintenance to the Volvo footbridge, which includes repairs to the staircases and repainting work.

It was taken away at the beginning of September last year, with the A404 closed in both directions between the junction with the A4155, just outside Marlow, and the Bisham roundabout.

The busy dual carriageway will be closed again, prompting fears that overweight vehicle drivers could be tempted to use the historic bridge as a shortcut.

The weekend patrols by TfB will be supported by advance warning signs and a camera van.

The A404 will close at 9pm on Friday, January 11 and reopen at 5am on Monday, January 14.

Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council deputy leader and transport cabinet member, said: “My main concern is to protect Marlow Bridge from damage by vehicles over three tonnes.

“While the main A404 is closed for the weekend by Highways England, the temptation to use Marlow Bridge as a shortcut might be too great for some drivers.”