Permanent Bridge Closure

[jody84]

I live in the County Durham countryside.
In July 2018 a road bridge was closed for repairs.
We were given the re-opening of December 2018.
I think it was November 2018 when we were told the council had just found the bridge to be dangerous and the re-opening was to be decided at a later date.
We are now told the council will not be re-opening the bridge as it will cost too much.
This bridge is heavily used by the villages on one side of the river to cross the river to get to towns on the opposite side, and vice versa. The journey time is now more than doubled.
Can the council close a road that is a heavily used road?
Any help would be greatly appreciated

[des8]

Basically the answer is Yes.
The authority can issue a Traffic Regulation Order under Parts I, of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.
Section 1(1) states
1) The traffic authority..... may make an order under this section (referred to in this Act as a “traffic regulation order”) in respect of the road] where it appears to the authority making the order that it is expedient to make it—
(a) for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising,
or (b).....
or (c).....
or (d) for preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road ......


You'll need to do lots of lobbying and get as many councillors on side as possible.