Two bridges facing possible closure

Following an engineers assessment of Elderslie Road bridge and Slaughter Yard Road bridge indicating there were serious safety concerns regarding these bridges, they are now facing possible closure within the next few months.

Both bridges are situated near Enfield. The engineers report indicated that the Elderslie Road bridge was in a more serious state than the Slaughter Yard Road bridge, and the report recommended that this bridge be closed immediately. The condition of the Slaughter Yard Road bridge was also a cause for concern, and the report recommended closure within the next six months. Both bridges are wooden and estimated to be over a hundred years old. If the bridges are closed, they are unlikely to be replaced, due to low usage and high replacement costs.

Public notices advising of the proposed closures will be placed over the coming week. Residents living near the bridges will be contacted via mail regarding the proposed closures and provided with an opportunity to represent their views to Council. Consultation will take place over a one month period.