Mexborough road bridge could be shut over a year - and could cost £5m to repair

Officials say that the flyover, which takes traffic off the Greens Way bypass and into Mexborough town centre, is likely to be out of action for at least 12 months, but the multimillion pound cost is a worst case scenario.

Mexborough ward Coun Bev Chapman confirmed the information she had been given was that the bridge was set to be closed for a long period, and said it was vital that the bridge was fixed for the town.

She said: “It isn't going to be an easy fix at all, but safety must come first.

She said officers had told her they had been off-site producing a report of their inspection findings and working with specialist companies to find out what else needed to be done.

They are now looking at carrying out radar surveys and concrete testing, starting next Tuesday, June 1, which will involve closing some lanes on Greens Way between June 1 and June 11.

The results of that survey is expected to show what needs doing next, which experts have told Coun Chapman could cost anything between £300,000 for repairs to £5 million for a new bridge.

Engineers have told her an optimistic prediction is that the bridge will be closed for at least 12 months.

At present, cars are having to take a diversion, continuing along Greens Way to the roundabout next to the Lidl and, and then drive back on the opposite carriageway to turn off into the town centre.

The council announced it was closing the bridge because of concerns over serious structural concerns at the start of the month, with diversions put in place.

The main A6023 Greens Way remains open in both directions.

She added there had been reports of cones being moved on the slip road to access Market Street and Leach Lane, and of a number of people driving through the ‘No Entry’ from Bank Street and doing a U-turn to park in the layby.

She said: "This is obviously a motoring offence and the police will prosecute.”

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