No date has yet been set for the closure of a pedestrian bridge in Bath.
Halfpenny Bridge, which provides a shortcut between Widcombe and the city centre, is outdated, and in need of refurbishment.
Bath and North East Somerset Council has applied for a traffic regulation order (TRO), allowing it to close the bridge to foot and cycle traffic for 12 weeks from April 1.
However no date has yet been set for the work to start, and the bridge will not be closed until it does.
It is also not yet known exactly how long the bridge will need to be closed for.
The council said when it had a date confirmed it would send letters to people affected, and would put a diversion route in place.
A B&NES spokesman said: "The council is currently in the process of finalising with our contractors the timescales for work on the bridge to take place.
"Once these arrangements are settled we will make an announcement with all the relevant information, including pedestrian diversions.
"Near neighbours, the residents' association, and ward councillors will be written to.
"It is likely that the closure will start in early to mid April.
"The bridge will not be shut until work needs to start."
He added: "We hope to finish the project within the 12 weeks set out in the TRO.
"However, the exact completion date is difficult to predict at this stage because as with all paint/engineering jobs, they are subject to inclement weather conditions."
Traders in Widcombe have expressed concerns about the closure because they believe it will mean less people will visit the area from the city centre, meaning a negative impact of their businesses.
They have asked the local authority for a footpath over the bridge which stays open while work is being carried out, allowing people to still use the route.
The repair work has been described by B&NES Council as "complicated" because of the historic nature of the bridge.
It involves completely removing the existing paintwork by grit blasting the entire bridge structure and then containing that material because it is potentially hazardous lead-based paint.
The council has thanked members of the public in advance for their patience while the repair work is being carried out.
The B&NES spokesman said: "We fully appreciate that there will be some inconvenience for people on foot walking between the city centre and Widcombe, but this is work that must be done."