A MAJOR River Severn bridge is falling apart so badly that it needs to be knocked down, experts fear.

A routine inspection of Upton Bridge revealed that major repairs were needed on the crumbling viaduct that takes the A4104 over the floodplain to the Severn crossing.

But further checks suggest that the bridge and viaduct are so dilapidated that they might both be beyond repair.

"It looks like the whole bridge will need to be totally replaced," said Paul Jameson, the county council's head of highways.

"However, it depends whether the correct materials would be available, and funding's an issue as we don't have much in our coffers. It's likely we'd have to make a bid for Government funding."

But, if funding is not found by the end of summer, the risk of flooding in the area would be so great that engineers would not be able to take machinery on to the site in the winter.

Experts still examining the structure - opened in 1940 - believed it was too soon to determine what measures would be needed to ensure access to Upton, if the bridge was removed then replaced, he added.

The council has imposed a three-tonnes weight limit on the bridge, narrowed the road to prevent large vehicles crossing, and installed traffic lights to regulate the flow.

The work has already hit traffic, bus services and hit businesses.

West-Worcestershire Tory MP Sir Michael Spicer visited town traders on Thursday to discuss the implications.

"It's essential for the commercial life of the town that everyone realises that it's open and business goes on as normal," he said.

He is set to press Ministers for the necessary finance, so that work can begin as soon as possible.