WORK to replace two listed bridges that were washed away in severe floods almost two years ago, is expected to be completed early next year.

Waterstave Bridge, near Bradninch, and Collard Bridge at Snapper, near Barnstaple, both collapsed during winter floods in late 2012 but Devon County Council is now replacing both with new structures that will no longer be listed.

The original brick masonry arch Waterstave Bridge was built during the nineteenth century and was a Grade Two Listed structure.

The bridge was partially swept away following heavy rainfall and flooding on 21 November 2012. The extent of the damage meant that the remainder of the bridge was irreparable and unsafe, and was subsequently de-listed and demolished.

The new bridge over the river Culm, which will have a greater span and reduced profile, will improve flow and capacity in this sensitive area and when finished will re-connect access between Bradninch and the B3181 to the east of the village.

The Grade Two Listed Collard Bridge, which had a masonry arch, is to be replaced by a new structure using concrete beams and supported by reinforced concrete piled abutments. A new deck will span over the existing bridge abutments.

Devon’s 8,000 mile highway network sustained around £18 million of damage during the major flood events in 2012/13.

Despite the County Council spending more than £12 million in the immediate aftermath on clearing debris and carrying out repairs, it was left with a “legacy” of more than £5.5 million of outstanding work. These remaining repairs are being carried out over the next few years, and include the replacement of Waterstave Bridge and Collard Bridge.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management and Flood Prevention, said: “These two new bridges are among a number of “legacy” funded projects to replace structures damaged during the storms of 2012/13.

"Our bridges team has worked closely with the Environment Agency on both of these bridges to improve the water flow and to ensure they are resilient in future flood events. Re-opening both of these bridges will provide valuable links for local residents and businesses in these two areas.”

Councillor John Berry, Devon County Councillor for Cullompton Rural, said: “I’m pleased that Devon County Council has found the funds to reinstate the bridge at Waterstave and everyone in the area is overjoyed that this link to local facilities is being restored so they won’t have to travel the extra mileage. It’s a popular route for locals and people coming to visit Bradninch.”

Councillor Richard Edgell, local County Councillor, said: "Local users are very pleased that work to replace Collard Bridge has now been started as this is a well used access to North Devon District Hospital from the rural areas to the North West, and to the major scout camp area on the west side of the River Yeo, which has been hard to access from Sherwell. Reopening of the route is also important to farmers who have land on both sides of the bridge."

Devon County Council has designed and is project managing the schemes. They were able to develop many common features in the two structures which helped reduce design costs. The two bridges, which are of similar size and detail, will cost in the region of £450,000 each.

Work on both bridges, which is being carried out by contractor South West Highways, is scheduled to be completed early in the New Year.