Swing bridge closes despite traffic concerns

Netheridge Swing Bridge has closed for almost two weeks

A bridge has been shut for 12 days after months of temporary traffic lights and delays.

Gloucester's Netheridge Swing Bridge, which carries Secunda Way over the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, will be shut from 1 to 12 September for emergency repairs.

Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said he feared the closure would cause chaos as drivers struggle to get to their destinations.

Gloucestershire County Council said the work had been designed to cause as little disruption as possible.

Mr McIntyre said: "The county council has decided to, it seems, press ahead regardless of the impact it might cause the residents, which is a shame because we know we could have looked at alternatives, such as a partial opening up until after the rush hour to allow some of the worst traffic through.

He said the work had originally been planned for five days, causing frustration to residents.

Residents previously expressed worries about the closure of the swing bridge.

Ian Giles said if Netheridge Bridge was closed to pedestrians, it would cause problems for his son, who has scoliosis.

"He physically cannot walk from work in the centre of town, all the way down the bypass to home," he said.

Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre is concerned about the effects of the closure

Councillor Joe Harris said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents in the area while this work takes place.

"This is a complex project and the work has been planned with a view to causing as little disruption as possible."

The authority, he said, had been working with the Canal and River Trust to ensure the repairs could be completed as soon as possible.

The work comes after nearby pedestrian Lower Hempsted Bridge closed in April for what was meant to be three weeks of work. The closure has been extended to mid-September.