THE Dearne Valley Bypass will close in Goldthorpe for four months from Monday almost a year after the area was originally shut due to antisocial behaviour.
In July last year, a section of the A635 near Goldthorpe was closed after a car was deliberately set on fire in an underpass.
This criminal act resulted in significant structural damage to the underpass’ roof but further continued vandalism since this incident has hampered efforts to reopen the section of road which is well-used by commuters and HGVs.
The closure of the bypass was essential to ensure public safety, according to the council, due to the risk that the underpass could collapse with the weight of traffic due to the potential of damage which cannot be seen within the structure.
The council has confirmed there was a ‘significant risk’ the subway would collapse, potentially causing life-threatening damage.
A spokesperson said: “The Lockwood Road subway was closed because a car/ was deliberately set/ on/ fire.
“This resulted in significant structural damage to/ mainly/ the/ subway/ roof.
“There was a significant risk that the subway could collapse with the loading of the traffic on the A635 Dearne Valley Parkway.
“This meant that extensive structural assessments needed to be carried out to the subway.
“We’ll now be working with a contractor to undertake repairs to the damaged roof of the subway.
“This will mean a temporary closure in order for us to complete these works.
The closure will be in place for four months whilst a new carriageway, reinforced steel, and traffic management work takes place.
Once the bypass closes, the previous diversion route will be put in place.
Motorists heading towards Doncaster will be diverted onto Barrowfield Road and Lidget Lane, while Barnsley-bound traffic will be diverted onto Doncaster Road and Barnsley Road through Goldthorpe town centre.
