A quick update on the National Highways footbridge closure.
I took the opportunity early this morning to walk up to the footbridge from Whitmoor Road in Bagshot to Lightwater Country Park to check on the hard closures National Highways had indicated would be in place by the end of the school day yesterday. I was disappointed to see that they were not yet installed so I have written to the Countryside Officers at County to chase National Highways to put these in place as a matter of urgency to ensure residents are safeguarded. I have also made Michael Gove aware.
On a separate note the closure notification on the bridge indicates a 21 day closure and I wrote to Officers for an explanation. This is the response I received:
"There are two separate processes, one for an emergency closure which is limited to 21 days and the other for a longer term closure. The notice on the bridge is a 21 day emergency closure which allows an immediate closure under Sec 14(2) Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
"The longer term closure is slightly under different legislation and requires that the closure is advertised in local papers etc. This can be for up to 6 months and then has to be renewed periodically."
My understanding is that the process for the longer closure has been started.
National Highways have indicated to Officers once more that they intend to remove the bridge at the earliest opportunity and we have requested further details of their plans and for a firmer timescale.
Once I know more I will keep residents updated.
- Cllr Rebecca Jennings-Evans
