UPDATE - Western Power Distribution (WPD) has confirmed the A438 between the bridge over the River Lugg to the west of Lugwardine and Netherwood Lane has re-opened to traffic.WPD Team Manager Jane Rawlings said: “We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience over the summer and once again apologise for the disruption that this work has caused.”Herefordshire Council will be applying overrun charges to Western Power Distribution (WPD) for each day from August 30th that work on the A438 fails to be completed, and the Council has apologised to motorists for the continued inconvenience.

The A438 across the Lugg flats and River Lugg bridge remains closed due to works not being completed by contractors working for Western Power Distribution (WPD).

WPD initially committed to completing the bridge repair works by Friday, August 25th. An extension until August 30th was agreed to allow works to be completed before the start of the new school term.

Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), who have been monitoring the work on behalf of the council, concluded that the road is not yet safe to reopen to traffic. The site has been regularly inspected during the works, over the last weekend and on Monday, September 4th. Alongside applying financial penalties, Herefordshire Council and BBLP are working with WPD and their contractor to ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible and to a standard which will allow the road to be safely reopened.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has committed to re-opening the A438 on Monday, September 11th.

To ensure this date is met the company is deploying extra resources to the site.

WPD Team Manager Jane Rawlings said: “We are sorry for the over-running of the roadworks and are doing everything we can to ensure the road opens as quickly as possible.”