Bridge link to return after gap of a year

Whitechapel Road bridge, which has been closed for nearly a year for replacement works, will be opened to vehicles and pedestrians from 11am today.

The bridge, which carries the B6120 over the M62, was closed in August last year to allow the Highways Agency to replace the entire structure.

Previous investigation work had showed that it would not be economical to carry out repairs.

During the closure, a range of measures was put in place to minimise disruption for local residents and schools, including a free bus service for bridge users. This will be stopped once the bridge has re-opened.

The old bridge was condemned as unsafe and contained asbestos. It was demolished in stages.

Highways Agency project manager Sujad Hussain thanked people for their patience during the works.

He said: “The new Whitechapel Road bridge will restore an important link between the communities of Scholes and Cleckheaton for both motorists and pedestrians.

“By replacing the bridge, rather than repairing it, we have significantly reduced the need for any future bridge works.

“Throughout these important works, we have worked closely with the local community in order to keep disruption to a minimum, and we would like to thank people for their patience and support.”

Mr Hussain will be joined today by local schoolchildren who will declare the new bridge officially open.

There will be an opening ceremony at 11am with children from local schools, as well as church members from St Philip’s Church, in Scholes, and Whitechapel Church, in Cleckheaton, joining together for a service led by Reverend Brunel James.