KEY bridges on one of Barnsley’s most picturesque stretches of the Trans Pennine Trail - which were hastily closed due to safety concerns more than two years ago - are set to reopen in the summer, the Chronicle can reveal.
Two rotting decks - on Bullhouse Bridge and Hazelhead Bridge - were closed in May 2022 after inspectors deemed the well-used pathways to be unsafe for the public.
Although Bullhouse’s structure was deemed to be in a worse state than Hazelhead’s, as they were both installed in the same year and use the same materials it was deemed necessary to close both and seek a contractor to commit to replacing them together.
Government cash - totalling £150,000 - was secured last year which locals hoped would fast-track the fitment of new decks but, after it went out to tender, no preferred bidder was found.
A 12-month extension for the closure was granted earlier this year - as was a reduced 40mph speed limit on the A628 Manchester Road - but it’s now been confirmed that a firm, ESH, was identified in the second tender process.
Work could start as soon as April, according to Barnsley Council.
Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward and has been campaigning alongside Couns David Greenhough and Mandy Lowe-Flello, told the Chronicle: “It’s been almost three years now and as local councillors we’ve been incredibly frustrated by the ridiculously drawn out process.
“There’s been glimmers of hope throughout but now that a preferred contractor has been found, this is the most positive update yet as there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
“Although Hazelhead Bridge wasn’t in as bad of a condition at Bullhouse’s, if it deteriorated as expected it would have been much more of a strain on the Trans Pennine Trail’s network as there would be no sufficient diversion route.
“There will be disruption ahead as the A628 will have to completely close while the bridge deck is replaced, but it’ll absolutely be worthwhile for the trail’s users who I’m sure are extremely glad to hear work is progressing over the coming months.”
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for cabinet and highways, thanked the public for their patience.
“This has been a very long-running matter that the council has been working hard to resolve as quickly as possible on behalf of residents and users to get the bridges reopened.
“The difficulty in finding a suitable contractor was primarily due to the highly specialised nature of the works required and a relatively small field of companies willing and able to undertake this type of work.
"I'm pleased to confirm ESH has been awarded the contract to carry out the required repairs.
"Works are scheduled to start in early April and are expected to take up to two-and-a-half weeks at each location.
“They are expected to start at Hazelhead Bridge and then move onto Bullhouse Bridge.
“Diversions for walkers, cyclists, horseriders and mobility scooter users will be available under each bridge during the works.
"Temporary road closures at Manchester Road and Whams Road will be required when the work is carried out, and we apologise in advance for this short-term inconvenience.
“These will be advertised on signs, and diversions will be clearly signposted.
"I'd like to thank everybody for their patience and we all look forward to the fantastic Trans Pennine Trail being fully reopened."
