Selby in for more traffic chaos as toll bridge set to close
42-year-old swing bridge set for mechanical and hydraulic system overhaul.
Selby
Selby is being warned of imminent traffic misery as the town's Old Toll Bridge gets set for another four-day closure.
North Yorkshire County Council is closing the bridge next week from 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 8th until 6 o'clock on the evening of Friday, September 11th.
News of the impending closure crept out from County Hall this afternoon, just days six days before the programme is set to begin.
The council says the closure is necessary to enable a £70,000 maintenance and refurbishment programme to safeguard the 42-year-old swing bridge's mechanical and hydraulic systems.
But whilst investment in the town's infrastructure will be welcomed, the bridge's closure will cause further dismay amongst many commuters and town centre business owners still reeling from NYCC's 12-week closure of Selby Bypass.
It marks the eighth major town centre route to face significant disruption during 2015 to-date. Others routes to have caused traffic woes this year have been Scott Road's stalled crossing, Flaxley Road's gas works, Ousegate's rail bridge refurbishment, roadworks on New Millgate and the resurfacing of Selby Bypass.
NYCC Executive Member for Highways, Cllr. Don Mackenzie (Con, NYCC Harrogate Saltergate) said,“We apologise for any inconvenience that this work will cause.
“But this is a working bridge and must be kept in good condition to the benefit of all road and river users. We will make every effort to ensure this work is completed as efficiently as possible in order to cause the least disruption.”
NYCC say the Old Toll Bridge will be shut to all vehicles during its four-day closure, including motorcycles and bicycles. Pedestrians access over the bridge will remain at all times.
Public transport providers will be making their own arrangements but are yet to be publicised, owing to the short notice given. Passengers are advised to contact their transport provider.
Is it good news that the bridge is set for an upgrade or will the timing be harmful to town centre trade? Scroll down to have your say... (Android app users click here)