A narrow West Leeds bridge which has a history of closures due to being struck by vehicles could have cameras installed in future to prevent future closures.
Historic Wyther Lane Bridge in Kirkstall is currently closed after being struck by a vehicle three weeks ago and is due to reopen in early April.
In 2021 the bridge – previously branded ‘dangerous’ by users – was closed between March and December following a crash which caused severe damage
Highways chiefs are exploring options with bridge owner Canal and River Trust to install cameras to monitor or enforce driver behaviour at the bridge once the works are complete.
Repairs have been carried out this week by the Trust and council engineers are due to start work on Monday on a package of measures to reduce the potential for future bridge strikes.
A highways spokesperson said: “Due to fixed funding, the Canal and River Trust has indicated that should further strikes happen there is potential for lengthy closures and the council has therefore identified a number of interventions listed below to reduce the likelihood of further strikes. It will complete the work within two weeks.”
Council works include:
- Alter the kerb lines on the southbound approach to the bridge, to guide vehicles away from the damaged bridge parapet and provide a wider swept path.
- Install a painted warning line alongside the bridge to encourage a better driving alignment for larger vehicles and reduce the chance of contact with the structure.
- Provide an over-run margin sited in front of the footway which will guide large vehicles across the bridge.
- Maintain a footway of no less than 1.8m wide, still wider than the old footway. The over-run margin will provide further segregation from general traffic and keep vehicles away from the footway edge.
The spokesperson added: “The works will reduce the chance of a future bridge strike and the costly and disruptive road closures. This will improve the safety of highway users and reduce damage to the bridge.”
Council work is due to start on Monday, 24 March.
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