by John Prince
An unsafe bridge which had been coned off to stop motorists driving over it, has now been completely shut and is being monitored by cameras.
Lambwath bridge on Swine Road outside Skirlaugh had been deemed as dangerous by the council and a road diversion has been in place, but thoughtless drivers had been moving cones and signs to get across it despite warnings.
Last Friday larger barriers and additional cones had appeared to prevent access. According to the council the closure has been brought forward as a vehicle had hit it.
At around lunchtime on the same day, more than a dozen drivers were observed turning back to find other routes.
Around 30 minutes after the new barriers were spotted, a man was seen trying to move them to get over the bridge. When approached by our reporter, the man apologised and drove away.
East Riding Council said: “This bridge has been shut for public safety reasons. It had been on our programme for a complete replacement this financial year but unfortunately the recent vehicle impact has necessitated its early closure.”
South-west of Lambwath bridge, and just a couple of miles away, Bulldike bridge on Kidhill Lane (above) has also been hit by what looks to be a Renault Clio car. A registration plate and damaged car parts had been left at the scene.
The bridge goes over the deep Bulldike Drain, and forms part of a very tight S-bend.
A Highway Maintenance team who arrived to put safety barriers up there, said heavier and longer vehicles do not attempt to cross the bridge, and it is known for being a difficult stretch of road even for car drivers.
Signs are in place further along Kidhill Lane warning that the road is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
The road connects Arnold and Skirlaugh with Meaux, Wawne and north Hull and is currently fully open. Drivers are being advised to be cautious as it is expected traffic may be heavier with Lambwath bridge being closed off.
In parts, the road is quite narrow but has several passing points available for vehicles.
In relation to the damage, the council added: “East Riding Council are liaising with the police with regards to this incident.
“The council’s team have erected temporary barriers, and engineers will visit the site shortly to assess the situation and decide on next steps.”
The council went on to say that strikes on railway bridges alone – not including ones on small rural roads – cost the UK well over £25 million in unrecovered costs.
Last year, Southorpe bridge on Hull Road near Hornsea was badly damaged after a vehicle drove into it. The council at the time said the cost of repairing it was around £33,000 which they would recoup through the driver’s insurance.
