New footbridge and cycle path for Doncaster

Doncaster Council has submitted a scheme to build a new footbridge over the River Don, close to HMP & YOI Doncaster.

The previous 1950s’ bridge closed in 2011.

The council tried to secure funding to repair it, but none came in the short term, but in 2016, it secured funding from the Sheffield City Region to repair the bridge.

However, when the contract went out to tender, bosses said it would cost more than the available funds.

An inspection found the bridge was ‘significantly worse’, with supports starting to break behind the stone work.

It said any prolonged period of rainfall, along with a rise in the river level, could result in collapse.

A report published in October 2018 said a structural investigation on the Newton Ings footbridge found it would have to be pulled down as it was unsafe.

Documents showed the council has put aside £130,000 for demolition.

Council bosses said the bridge closure was ‘continuously ignored by the public’ removing barriers and fencing blocking it. The bridge was finally demolished last October.

Stephen Pearce, council officer, said: “The bridge will be constructed on the same line as the previous bridge. It will cater for pedestrians and cyclists and include restrictions to exclude vehicles.

“The bridge will re-establish the public footpath over the river. The Transport Secretary has extended the existing footpath closure until November 9, after which there is an expectation a new bridge will be in place.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor