The 138-year-old Prince Street bridge was closed in August 2015. We were told that the bridge would be closed for six months – possibly more, possibly less. One lane of the bridge was finally reopened for pedestrians and cyclists on Monday 22 May.
Further monitoring and testing will now take place before scaffold is removed and the bridge can be reopened to southbound traffic movements out of the city. According to councillor Mark Wright, ‘the southbound-only traffic route is likely to be in place until at least summer 2018, at which point the Mayor will review the usage of the bridge.’ He adds that ‘the cost and ridiculous delays on this project will soon be examined by a Council scrutiny committee.’
A cycle improvement scheme on Prince Street connecting Cumberland Road to Baldwin Street and Broad Quay will begin this month.