One-way traffic system set after footbridge shut

A temporary one-way traffic system is set to come into force in part of Hereford following the closure of a deteriorating footbridge.

The traffic lights and safety arrangements are introduced this week after the closure of the College Road bridge, in Hereford.

The one-way system, from Barrs Court Road towards Widemarsh Street, will replace temporary traffic lights in response to feedback from residents and road users, said Herefordshire Council.

the "ageing 1963 footbridge" was closed after an inspection found structurally significant defects, said the authority, which has applied for government funds to help towards replacing it.

Pedestrians and cyclists have been using a shared route across the adjacent Burcott Road bridge, with temporary traffic lights in place to manage the impact on road users.

As part of the latest changes, barriers will be installed along the road bridge to provide additional protection for pedestrians and cyclists using the temporary route, the local authority added.

It wants to replace the 63-year-old footbridge with a "new, safe and compliant pedestrian and cycle crossing", restoring a "dedicated and resilient" link between College Road and Burcott Road.

The council said it was also working with Network Rail to assess the most appropriate long-term solutions.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "We remain committed to finding a long-term solution that restores a safe and reliable crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, and we will continue to keep the local community informed as this work progresses."

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