Key link bridge to close for critical work

A key link bridge is set to close to both traffic and pedestrians for more than a year to allow critical work to take place.

A major project to make New Elvet Bridge structurally sound has started, resulting in it being closed for up to 14 months.

Drivers are being reminded to leave additional time for their journeys and plan ahead travel into and through the city will be disrupted, especially at peak times.

Durham County Council have implemented a range of measures to help keep traffic flowing, including new restrictions being introduced on Quarryheads Lane which will only allow access to buses, taxis, cycles and other authorised vehicles heading northbound.

A number of suggested diversions will also be put in place to help spread traffic coming into and out of the city. Councillor Brian Stephens, the county council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, described the work as “absolutely vital”.

He said: “The bridge carries up to 17,000 vehicles per day in normal times therefore it is absolutely vital that this essential work is carried out now to prevent more extensive and prolonged repairs being required in the future.

“These repairs are one of a number of improvements necessary in the city to help support traffic flow, both now and in the future.

"Alongside traffic lights installed on the A690 and improvements made to the Milburngate Bridge, the significant improvements to New Elvet Bridge and the new bus station will bring many benefits to Durham."

All details can be found by visitingwww.durham.gov.uk/ newelvet.