FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – DARLEY ABBEY TOLL BRIDGE CLOSURE
Why are you closing the bridge?
We have had to take the decision to close the bridge, due to serious public safety concerns.
Why are the bollards only at one end?
The toll bridge is on private land, and we are only able to put measures into place on the public highway. In light of the seriousness of our concerns, we have strongly advised the landowners to put reasonable measures in place to prohibit access to the bridge from their land, but we have no powers to enforce this.
How long will the bridge be closed?
The bridge will be initially shut under emergency powers. However due to the asset being privately owned, we will be encouraging the landowners to work with us to see how the issues can be resolved.
Why can’t pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge
Initial indications show that the bridge is in an extremely dangerous state. Public safety is our priority, and we have serious concerns that anybody crossing the bridge would be putting their lives in danger. We are strongly advising the asset owners to carry out further detailed assessments to make themselves fully aware of the gravity of the situation.
What happens if Haslams Lane is flooded?
‘The Environment Agency offers a free flood warning service that you can register for. If you haven’t already registered, please visit www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-
The asset owner will need to be mindful of this issue when determining a solution or future course of action.
Is there any compensation for businesses?
The bridge is situated on a private road. Any queries regarding compensation would have to be directed to the landowner.
Will it remain closed?
We will be looking to work with the asset owners to determine the options available. Until these are known and/or implemented, the likelihood is that it will remain closed while in its current dangerous state.
Why are you only telling us now?
Following a routine inspection after seasonal flooding, and some recent concerns raised by utilities company, we commissioned a further inspection that took place on Thursday 5 May. This inspection raised serious concerns, and we had no option other than to close access to the bridge under emergency powers.
Why was the bridge not closed immediately?
We have been working to close the access from the public highway to Darley Abbey Toll Bridge, in the interests of public safety, since we were made aware of the concerns. The slight delay in closure is down to the time it takes to organise a robust closure, that we can be sure will be observed.
We also needed to get the co-operation of adjacent landowners to ensure that the structure will be securely closed off at both ends, to adequately manage the risk to the public.
What does the £1 toll go towards?
The £1 toll is not levied by the Council but by the landowner.
Who has made the decision?
Following serious concerns raised following the recent inspection, we, as the Highway Authority, made the decision based on the evidence provided and advice received from Structural Engineers.
What are the diversions for users?
Traffic diversion signs will be put up in the local area.
