Imminent removal of University of York footbridge
Posted on 18 March 2008
This means that University Road will be closed from the morning of Good Friday (21 March) to the afternoon of Easter Monday (24 March). Diversion signs will be displayed at both ends of the road.
We apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure of the road will involve
Keith Lilley
The University took the decision to remove the bridge in the light of an inspection report from external engineering consultants about the structure’s useful life.
Keith Lilley, the University’s Director of Facilities Management, said: "The bridge has reached the end of its useful life, and access to it is not compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Rebuilding it would have been technically difficult as well as prohibitively expensive.
"The two other bridges across University Road have good disabled access and have both been extensively refurbished in recent years. We also have new steps from the bus stop on University Road to the Library."
The approach to the bridge at Langwith, with its distinctive flowering cherry trees, will have new landscaping work to improve the area.
Demolishing the bridge will involve the use of large special cranes and other heavy equipment on University Road.
Mr Lilley added: "We apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure of the road will involve. There will be signage on the route and local residents have been informed. University conference guests will be kept informed by Conference Office staff."
ENDS