Moor Lane bridge has been shut for a month as work is undertaken to strengthen the structure. It will only remain open for pedestrians and cyclists. During this experimental closure heavier blockades have had to be moved into place as local residents have taken action to cut the plastic ties and access the bridge with vehicles.

Previously the Council had undertaken work to try to prevent large vehicles using the bridge, with bollards installed restricting the width of vehicles able to use the bridge. Unfortunately the bridge had continued to deteriorate.

Conservative Cllr Elfan Ap Rees claims: “Options for repair and making the bridge safe are very limited and cannot be justified. The safest and most cost-effective measure would be to close the bridge to vehicles, leaving it open only for cyclists and pedestrians.” Cllr Ap Rees added: “We intend closing the bridge from Monday 25 July at the start of the school holidays which should minimise the ‘school run’ traffic flows and ease the closure in. This six-month experimental closure order would allow further monitoring of the local network and, although the car user will be directly affected, the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists and will provide a safe route to the local schools, shops and businesses of Worle.”

“Work to strengthen the embankments would cost in excess of £100,000 but a full structural examination would be needed before any real costings could be made. The likely future electrification of the rail line to Weston-super-Mare could also require changes to the bridge structure.”

Let us know how you feel about the closure of this important link bridge and the impact it will have upon you and your family. Will this closure have a greater impact as the schools go back and the holidays come to an end?

Take our survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/66W8HFM