THE Dearne Valley Bypass in Goldthorpe has now reopened more than 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.

It was announced in May the closure would last four months but the work – which included removing the damaged roof slab through hydro demolition, new reinforcement steel and a new concrete roof slab – was finished ahead of schedule.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “An act of mindless vandalism at the Lockwood Road subway caused significant harm to the road’s infrastructure putting road users and residents at risk.

“As a result, our highways team have had to carry out extensive repair work, including collaborating with expert contractors, to install a new concrete roof slab, repair the reinforced steel and reinstate the carriageway.

“We recognise the inconvenience that the closure has caused to residents and commuters, and we greatly appreciate your patience and understanding while the extensive work took place.

“I’m pleased to see the urgent safety work has been completed, the bypass safely reopened and the disruption to business and communities come to an end.

“I would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly on the project to make the subway roof safe again.”