Safety fear closes Alnwick's Lion Bridge
Alnwick Lion Bridge that carries the B6341 has been closed today
following an inspection by Northumberland County Council.
A diving inspection was carried out and it was discovered that there has
been a wash out of the foundations under the central support of the
bridge.
It is believed that this may have been caused by the widespread and
severe flooding that affected the County last month.
Dick Fraser, Head of Highways Policy at Northumberland County Council
said: "We are concerned about the stability of the bridge following the
inspection.
"The safety of motorists using the bridge is of paramount importance and
that is why we have decided to put a closure in place.
"At this stage the bridge is still open to pedestrians but this may
change once further investigations have been completed.
"There will be diversions sign-posted in the surrounding area and from
the A1 and all other routes into Alnwick remain open and accessible for
motorists.
"The bridge will be closed for the foreseeable future while continuing
inspections take place to help us decide the best course of action to
take.
"We recognise that this bridge is an iconic symbol of the town and is of
great historical importance.
"I would like to reassure residents and visitors that we will be working
hard to find the most effective way to tackle the bridge's stability
problems."
