Durham City footbridge being demolished this week as road closures in place

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


The A690 in Durham is set for overnight closures this week as work commences to dismantle the Leazes Footbridge near the Gilesgate roundabout. The demolition, which will see the bridge removed due to safety concerns, will result in the road being closed to both pedestrians and vehicles from 7pm to 5am each night until Thursday, with diversions in place.

Leazes Footbridge, once a vital link between the Gilesgate and Claypath areas and used daily by hundreds of residents, commuters, and students, was shut down last year on health and safety grounds after it was deemed beyond economical repair. Despite local campaigners' efforts to save the bridge, Durham County Council has proceeded with its removal.

In place of the footbridge, a new signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed at the existing traffic lights on the Gilesgate Roundabout. However, some residents have raised concerns about the safety of this new crossing.

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Nonetheless, the council insists that the new crossing represents the best solution, stating: "Not only does this provide a safe and accessible route across the A690 for everyone, but it offers the best value for money for taxpayers."

The road is scheduled to fully reopen to traffic at 5am on Thursday.

The A690/Leazes Road has been closed to both pedestrians and vehicles in both directions between Gilesgate Roundabout and Ravensworth Terrace overnight for five nights since Sunday. The closure will be effective from 7pm to 5am each night with diversions set up.

Daytime footpath closures will also commence from Sunday, September 29, on both sides of the A690. Only one footpath will be closed at any given time with diversions via the opposite footpath.

24-hour footpath closures will be implemented on both sides of the A690 near the footbridge for a period of up to six weeks from Monday, October 7. Only one footpath will be closed at any one time and diversions via the opposite footpath.