Work is under way in Chester to reopen Network Rail’s Westminster Road Bridge to drivers as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
Station View Footbridge, which crosses the railway and is owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council, was closed for safety reasons in June.
The adjacent road bridge, owned by Network Rail, was closed to traffic to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use it safely.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working closely with Network Rail in order to seek their approval for a temporary narrow carriageway for cars and cyclists only and also a footway to be accommodated on their bridge.
Approval has now been received from Network Rail for this temporary highway arrangement and the council will also increase the height of the bridge parapet.
Works began on Wednesday (October 8) to construct the temporary road layout across Westminster Road Bridge and this is likely to take two weeks.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their patience – residents and businesses – while discussions with Network Rail took place.
“And my thanks also go to Network Rail while we try to find a solution for our footbridge problem.
“Indeed having the road re-opened will help to reduce the strain on this busy corridor into Chester.”
Hoole Cllr Alex Black said: “The community of Hoole are very relieved to have this important route back in place and look forward to a long term solution for access to all vehicles.”
Hoole Cllr Bob Thompson added: “The businesses in the area immediately adjacent to the bridge have been directly affected by this closure and I now hope that their trade can return to normal now.”
Boughton Cllr Martyn Delaney commented: “The importance of the access across the railway between the communities of Hoole and Boughton has been highlighted by the loss of the footbridge. It is good that a temporary solution has been found.”
A spokesman for Network Rail explained: “We have worked closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council to accommodate reopening the bridge to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
“The temporary arrangement will address the connectivity issues that have been faced in the area while we continue to work together to develop a permanent solution.”
