Footbridge 'beyond repair' to be demolished

The footbridge was closed last July

A "well-used" footbridge in Durham is to be demolished after investigations confirmed it could no longer safely bear the weight of pedestrians.

Leazes footbridge, which crosses the A690 and provides access from Claypath to the city centre and riverside, was closed in July due to structural issues.

It has been confirmed that the defects cannot be repaired and the structure has been earmarked for demolition before the summer.

Durham County Council said there was "no immediate risk" of it collapsing, but this could change if it remained in place, exposed to the elements.

Full road closure

The bridge has been surveyed multiple times and investigations confirmed integral components were failing, including the joints to its underside.

The council said it would be reviewing options after the bridge is taken down, but plans are being "progressed" for the introduction of a pedestrian crossing at the existing traffic lights located at the top of Leazes Road at Gilesgate Roundabout.

Paul Anderson, strategic highways manager, said the decision to demolish the structure "is not one that has been taken lightly."

"Following its closure last summer, experts have gained an in-depth understanding of the structural integrity of the footbridge and have confirmed the defects are irreparable," he added.

Demolition of the bridge will take around four weeks, and the central span will be removed overnight under a full road closure.

The signed diversion for pedestrians and cyclists will remain in place, and pedestrians have been advised against crossing the A690 at any other location.