A lane closure on a Huddersfield bridge has been removed...12 years after it was put in place.
Dalton Bank Bridge behind Syngenta has been a single lane since 2004.
Click above for a driver's eye view
Roads chiefs blocked off one lane of the route between Dalton and Colne Bridge amid fears the bridge was too weak to handle lots of traffic.
It was part of a nationwide safety campaign checking on bridges.
Now drivers are free to drive unimpeded over the bridge, which spans the Calder Valley Greenway, as both lanes are back in use.
The traffic lights have now been removed after a £400,000 bridge strengthening project was completed.
Huge engineering works have also created an improved cycle path and walkway under the bridge with the old square tunnel replaced by a new more attractive curve.
A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “Reinforcing a bridge is more difficult than you may think, especially when the workers have to deal with high winds and lots of rain.
“But, despite the weather and the difficulties of the job, the teams from the council and North Midland Construction finished on time – in just 12 weeks.
“This means that the bridge can now, once again, carry two lanes of traffic.”
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
Clr Peter McBride added: “It’s testament to the hard work of the council’s designers and contractors that the bridge is now fully functional, and that most of the work took place without the people travelling above ever knowing about it.
“I would also like to thank Sustrans for their supporting in finding alternative routes for the users of the greenway whilst the works took place.
“The improvements are going to benefit everyone and make travelling the route much easier.”
Factfile:
- The Dalton Bank Bridge originally opened in 1910
- The bridge carries over 3,300 vehicles per day
- It is the only emergency access road to several major industrial companies including Syngenta.
