Steps to find a solution for the recently closed Darley Abbey toll bridge move closer, as Council seek approval from Cabinet for a temporary replacement footbridge.
Following a routine inspection after seasonal flooding, and concerns raised by a utilities company, the Council commissioned a further inspection that took place in May. The inspection raised serious concerns, and the Council took the decision to close all access to the bridge.
The recommendation of a short-term solution over the existing bridge follows extensive work with a specialist contractor and the Council's Structural Engineering team. While the option is not risk-free and is subject to further assessment and approval, it could be delivered in the quickest time, and would support the community and local businesses. It also allows further time to consider and develop a more permanent option.
It is estimated that the temporary footbridge will cost in the region of £300,000 and the proposed delivery and installation time from the point of order is around five weeks.
Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transportation said:
The Council has been working with the interested parties over the last few weeks to examine the possibilities for providing some temporary access for pedestrians and cyclists, while a longer, more permanent solution is identified.
As mentioned before, it’s highly unusual for us to take this type of action in relation to a bridge that is not owned by us, but we have been listening to the local community and acknowledge the importance of delivering a safe solution as quickly as possible. We will continue to work with the local community, councillors and MPs on this.
The Council acknowledges that these actions will lead to the Council being deemed to have taken control of the bridge and the liabilities.