THE A65 road is to be closed again just weeks after re-opening following major resurfacing works.

This time Network Rail is shutting the main route to carry out emergency repairs to the rail bridge over the road in Hellifield.

It could be closed from September 15 to 30, the maximum closure time allowed, although the rail company will try to reopen earlier if possible.

The bridge was damaged by a wagon carrying a low loader about two months ago. The incident happened when the digger on the back of the lorry hit the bridge.

Initial inspections showed that repair work was essential, but it could not be done at the same time as the last closure.

Consultant Bernard Cloherty said: "It has to be done. It is urgent work, but they will do it as quickly as is humanly possible. The Highways Agency is concerned because it comes so soon after the people of Hellifield and Gargrave have had the most horrendous time with the road closure, so it will be done as quickly as possible."

Traffic will once again be diverted via Gisburn, a diversion of 26 miles and the same route as last time. "It is an horrendous diversion. If there was another way of doing it, they would be doing it," said Mr Cloherty.

In practise, it is likely that many motorists will use the lane between Hellifield Garage on the A65 and the A682 Long Preston to Gisburn road, although the route is subject to a weight limit.

Hellifield parish councillor and local businessman Lloyd Popay said villagers were annoyed about the impending closure.

"It is going to cause quite a bit of hassle within the village because lots of traffic will use Gisburn Road. It's going to put a lot of stress on that area and it is a bad road to start with."

Parish Council chairman, Jeremy Sample, said he had met Network Rail staff at the bridge on the night of the accident and gave them details of the previous impending road closures.

"I appreciate they can't do these things in two days, but I would have thought they had ample notice to sort things out and take the sensible option," he said.

The A65 was closed at Gargrave and Hellifield earlier in the year for 10 weeks of essential resurfacing works. Local residents put up with a lot of inconvenience, but generally felt the project went smoothly and workmen finished sooner than expected.

Mr Cloherty visited Hellifield and Gargrave this week explaining the work to businesses and villagers. "They were upset about it, but most recognised that it has to be done for safety reasons. Some said they had had foot and mouth, 10 weeks of road works with no passing trade and it would be disastrous, but at the end of the day these things happen."

Anyone with questions about the work can contact the help desk on 01666 822000.