More misery awaits motorists as highways chiefs admitted work to strengthen an historic bridge is unlikely to be completed this year - and will involve a total closure at one point.

Single traffic restrictions will continue for the immediate future and Ireland Bridge in Bingley will then close while repairs are undertaken to fully open the bridge again.

The main hurdle is not work to the bridge, but electrical cables which service homes in the surrounding area.

John Anderson, principal engineer for highways structures at Bradford Council, said: "Bridges don't just carry vehicles, they carry services for gas, water, electricity and telecommunications and this bridge is crammed full.

"Some of the electricity cables have a very high voltage and there are health and safety issues working around these cables. If we can't work around these cables we will have to divert them.

"We can fix the bridge now. Our priority is to keep the bridge as historic as possible and to maintain its character. We have come up with a way forward, we want to fix the bridge while keeping everybody happy. The public will be kept informed as the scheme progresses and are asked to be patient in the intervening period."

The bridge will be strengthened by excavating some of the infill over the bridge and replacing it with concrete. Costs will be met by Bradford Council.

A scheme was drawn up by Bradford Council last year to increase the depth of the road surface by ten inches but English Heritage objected. Now, the Government body has agreed to the new plans after discovering the bridge is not as historic as it first thought.

A spokesman said: "The involvement of English Heritage follows from the fact that the bridge is Grade II listed building.

"Recent assessment has indicated that while the bridge was built in 1686, a significant portion in fact dates from a major rebuild and enlargement in 1775.

"At the meeting, agreement was reached on an approach to strengthening and repair which will allow a return to two-way traffic.

"Work had been hindered by the discovery of major electricity and water services under the carriageway and the condition of the parapets, rather than a listing issue."

Bingley ward Councillor David Heseltine (Con) attended the meeting on Thursday.

He said: "We can say a vast majority of the bridge is not the original structure and it has been altered.

"Historic research dates it back to the late 1700s and not the 1600s, which is a totally different kettle of fish.

"English Heritage accept there is an historic factor but there are also economic and cash factors. They have been very pragmatic about it but it will still be a long process. It has to be designed and funded and the money will be a significant expenditure."

e-mail: mel.fairhurst@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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