Leazes footbridge

Location of pedestrian crossing

June 2024

Works are progressing well on the pedestrian crossing point approaching Gilesgate roundabout. Shortly we will be moving onto replacing the pedestrian guardrail on both sides on the existing footpaths. We will then move onto installation of a cycleway link. 

May 2024

Work to create a pedestrian crossing and cycleway on Gilesgate roundabout are due to begin in May. It is expected that this work will take around 10 weeks to complete. We are currently talking to a contractor about knocking down the footbridge. 

A signed diversion for pedestrians and cyclists will be in place while this work is being done. We strongly recommend that pedestrians do not cross the A690/Leazes Road at any location other than the signed diversion. 

March 2024

Expert analysis of Leazes Footbridge has concluded it can no longer bear the weight of pedestrians and is beyond economical repair. The footbridge was built in 1974 and the construction methods used do not comply with modern standards. It is also inaccessible to wheelchair users and does not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

We are introducing a pedestrian crossing at the existing traffic lights at the top of Leazes Road which will provide a safe route across the A690 for everyone and, unlike a footbridge, would not impact on the historic view of the World Heritage Site.

We now have a design and estimate for these works and are awaiting confirmation of a start date.

February 2024 

The footbridge, which crosses the A690 and provides pedestrian access from Claypath to the city centre and riverside, has been closed to the public following a routine inspection, which identified a need for more detailed investigation.

Further surveys by a specialist contractor have subsequently revealed concerns regarding the joints to the underside of the bridge. As a result, the bridge will remain closed while we consider the results of the investigations and look at all available options for the future of the footbridge. After several surveys by a specialist contractor, it has been confirmed that integral components are failing and the structure is no longer safe to bear the weight of pedestrians.  

The nature of the problems mean they cannot be repaired, and while there is no immediate risk of the footbridge collapsing, this could change if the footbridge remains in position, exposed to the elements. As a result, we have agreed that the footbridge will be demolished before summer 2024. The demolition will take approximately four weeks, with the central span removed overnight under a full road closure.

Diversions

A signed diversion for pedestrians and cyclists will remain in place while the bridge is closed. We strongly advise against any pedestrian from crossing the A690/Leazes Road at any location. 

• Anyone accessing Claypath from the south side of the A690 Leazes Road can do so by following the signed pedestrian diversion route that takes you on foot to the pedestrian controlled lights at the roundabout with Gilesgate and the A690 dual carriageway. Under these light controls, pedestrians can walk to the top of Claypath to reach their destination. The reverse diversion route is applied if walking from Claypath to the south side of Leazes Road/A690.
• Pedestrians on the north side of Leazes Road/A690 can access the south side by walking to the pedestrian crossing facility on the A690 at Gilesgate roundabout and using the light controlled crossing to cross the A690 and Gilesgate to access Leazes Road/A690.
• Pedestrians wanting to access Claypath from the city centre at the Leazes Bowl roundabout can do so by using the underpass at Pelaw Leazes Lane, or cross the A690 at Claypath Bridge.

We would like to thank the public for their patience and we would encourage everyone wishing to cross the road to use the signed diversion.