Bridge to close for five days

A VILLAGE bridge that was damaged by a vehicle is to close to traffic for emergency repairs.

East Riding Council is to carry out improvements to the bridge at Bubwith, on the A163 route between Holme On Spalding Moor and Selby, to strengthen the structure to make it safe for traffic over the winter. The bridge was damaged in September when a vehicle hit a stone parapet as it was crossing.

At the time the council installed temporary barriers to make sure it could reopen to traffic.

The scheme will include:

■Removing stone from the river and other areas, which was knocked out of position by the accident

■Removing further stone found to be unstable

■Installing a temporary propped headwall to protect traffic over winter

■Replacing temporary barriers with concrete barriers

The work will require the bridge, and the road across it, to be closed for five days, from Monday to Friday, November 21 to 25. A signed diversion will be in place, taking traffic via Holme On Spalding Moor, the A164 to Howden, A63 to Barlby, then back on the A613, and vice versa.

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge during the works, together with the emergency services. The nearby car park and picnic area will be closed in order to allow site cabins to be placed there.

Adam Holmes, director of infrastructure and facilities at East Riding Council, said: “Following further inspections and assessments we need to carry out these additional works to make sure the bridge remains safe over the winter period.”