Doncaster Council

Bridge Strengthening

The maximum permitted weight of lorries was increased in February 2001 to 44 tonnes. All bridges have been assessed, following national directives, to see if they could safely cope with this increase.

If strengthening is required to meet this standard, public safety is maintained on those bridges assessed as ‘‘weak’’ by using temporary closures, temporary weight restrictions or other measures and restrictions. That is until funding is available.

Owing to limited funding, work carried out under the strengthening programme gives priority to principal road bridges. For substandard bridges on the non-principal road network, decisions are made whether to permanently weight restrict rather than strengthen. Each bridge is considered on its merits taking into account use, safety, economic and environmental factors.

A number of bridges have been strengthened or replaced in recent years including Warning Tongue Lane, Cantley Bridge, Torne Bridge and Franklins Bridge.

Ongoing work is continuing on St James Bridge and Watch House Lane Bridge.

Funding has been secured for work to be carried out on Balby Bridge, Frickley Station and Clay Lane Railway Bridge.

For further information please use the contact details above.