BARNSLEY Council bosses have reassured residents that three bridges deemed to be ‘substandard’ do not pose a risk to the public.
New figures show that the bridges on Oaks Lane, Bradberry Balk Lane and Smithy Bridge Lane were deemed ‘substandard’ - meaning they cannot carry the largest 44-tonne lorries.
They accounted for one per cent of the 236 bridges in the area.
Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability,, said the council hopes to reduce this to zero.
“We take maintenance of bridges and structures on our highways very seriously and I would like to reassure our residents that in this context the RAC definition of ‘substandard’ doesn’t mean unsafe,” he said.
“The three bridges at Oaks Lane, Bradberry Balk Lane and Smithy Bridge Lane represent less than one per cent of the 236 bridges on our network.
“This is below the national average of four per cent.
“Our ambition is to reduce this to zero and we will complete the works required to these bridges when resources allow.”
