Nottingham bridge paint job will take 13 weeks
The Lady Bay bridge in Nottingham is being closed to pedestrians while it is re-painted for the first time in 15 years.
City council officials said the road would be kept open to motorists for the morning and afternoon peak travel time.
The contractors need access to the footway for scaffolding for health and safety reasons.
The 13-week bridge painting project will cost about £150,000, Nottinghamshire County Council said.
Pedestrian Simon Wilson said it was very inconvenient as it added at least 20 minutes to his walk to work.
But Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman Rob Driver said: "We have got materials going on the walkway and there is scaffolding being put up and brick blasting and painting, so we really can't have pedestrians walking up there."