by John Prince
A firm warning has been given to motorists driving over a crumbling bridge which has been closed near Skirlaugh, because traffic cones and road signs are being moved so they can get across it.
Parts of the walls at Lambwath Bridge on Swine Road are badly damaged and huge cracks have appeared.
East Riding Council has deemed the double-arched bridge not safe for vehicles and has closed it. A road diversion is in place, but despite this drivers have been moving the cones and signs out of the way so they can drive over it.
Highway Maintenance Officers have said they’ve had to come back to the bridge on a number of occasions to put them back in place, which has now sparked safety concerns.
Replacement works on the bridge that crosses Lambwath Stream are due to start this week and could last up to five months. It’s likely that a new modern bridge will be built to replace the old one.
It’s hoped however that the work will be finished before then.
A spokesperson for East Riding Council said: “We urge people to please not move these temporary barriers for their own safety.
“They have been put there for a reason - this bridge is in a dangerous condition.
“We intend to place more robust barriers at the site.
“The bridge is beyond economic repair and needs complete replacement.
“We are consulting with the Environment Agency, which has to approve any work due because it is above its watercourse.
“It is likely to be replaced with a reinforced concrete structure.
“In the meantime we continue to urge people not to drive any vehicles over this bridge.”
View the full photo gallery and purchase images:
Drivers who regularly use the route between Swine and Benningholme will face several months of disruption.
An official diversion is in place using the remainder of Swine Road, Benningholme Lane, Main Road, White Cross Road, Arnold Lane West, Black Tup Lane and Ings Lane.
Although the road will be closed to through traffic, pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, along with vehicles to properties directly affected by the closure.
Emergency service vehicles will also have access.
The council has issued a temporary traffic regulation order that comes into force on Thursday, October 29.
While the order legally allows the closure to remain in place for up to 18 months, the anticipated completion date is Wednesday, March 31, 2027.
It will be lifted earlier if the works are completed sooner.
Anyone requiring further information can contact East Riding Council’s highways maintenance team on (01482) 393939.
