Draft Submit Officer Decision

(Fields marked with an asterisk * are required)

* Decision:	Implementation of a temporary weight restriction for Appleton Road Bridge, Bishopthorpe
* Decision Date: (DD/MM/YYYY)	10 August 2023
Decision Summary:
Appleton Road Bridge in Bishopthorpe is a single span structure which carries Appleton Road over a Sustrans cycleway which is a former rail route. The bridge deck comprises 15 precast inverted “T” beams with in-situ infill concrete. The north footway is supported on precast beams with 1.20m spacing centre to centre with the north parapet carried by the two precast units and the surrounding concrete. On the south side there is a concrete-encased steel beam supporting the parapet. The abutments, wing walls and parapets are of brick construction. Bridge inspections (Principal Inspections (PI) Stage 1 and Stage 2) have found that the structure is not currently capable of bearing 40 tonnes of live loading and have recommended that an 18 tonnes weight restriction be implemented. A review is currently underway to investigate possible bridge strengthening options with a view to increasing the capacity to 40 tonnes if possible. The implementation of a temporary structural weight restriction is therefore recommended due to the weak bridge, as the assessment has concluded that the bridge cannot bear 40t vehicles and can only safely accommodate a lower load, recommended to be 18t. Large goods vehicles and coaches over 18t requiring access to the area have an alternative route via Temple Lane and Copmanthorpe or via Main Street in Bishopthorpe. Suitable signage will be provided at appropriate locations. Local Businesses likely to be directly impacted by the order will also be informed directly. Once the review is completed (within the maximum of 18months for which a TTRO can apply), if the bridge can be strengthened cost effectively, then weight restriction and associated diversion signage will be removed and the TTRO restrictions lifted. If the review concludes that the structure cannot be sufficiently reinforced for the restriction to be removed, a permanent weight restriction order will be sought. The Council, as a traffic authority, has the power to make temporary Traffic Regulation Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and in accordance with the procedure contained in The Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Procedure Regulations 1992. The traffic authority must be satisfied the traffic on the road should be restricted or prohibited for a reason set out in section 14(1) of the 1984 Act. In this case, the Council is satisfied that traffic on Appleton Road Bridge should be restricted because of the likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road (section 14(1)(b) of the 1984 Act).
Accompanying Documents:	Signage and diversion route plan
No. of Delegated Function:	N/A
Type of Decision:	Non Key

Portfolio Holder that decision relates to:

Cllr Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy & Transport

Options Considered:

Temporary 18 tonnes weight restriction – recommended option

No weight restriction

Weight restriction to a lower weight

Permanent weight restriction

Options Rejected:

No weight restriction – the restriction is required for safety reasons due to the weak structure.

Weight restriction to a lower weight – Not required based on the assessment conducted.

Permanent weight restriction – Not required at this stage as investigation are underway to understand whether the structure can be reinforced so that the weight restriction can be lifted

Consultation Process:

No consultation undertaken as this is a temporary measure required for safety reasons. Information about the temporary restriction will be provided to key stakeholders including emergency services, bus operators, road haulage association, etc.

Implications:

	Crime & Disorder
	Equalities
	Financial
√	Highways
	Human Resources
	ITT
√	Legal
	Marketing & Communications
	Property

Implications contact

Siavosh Mahmoodshahi, Highways Structure Manager, siavosh.mahmoodshahi@york.gov.uk  Ruhina Choudhury, Legal Services

Level of Risk:

04-08 Regular monitoring required

Wards Affected:

Bishopthorpe Ward Copmanthorpe Ward

Officer Making Decision:	Neil Ferris, Corporate Director of Place
Contact Details
Tel:
E-mail:	Neil.ferris@york.gov.uk

* On behalf of Director

Neil Ferris, Corporate Director of Place

Implementation – any action required

Yes

To be implemented by:

Siavosh Mahmoodshahi, Highways Structure Manager

Implementation contact details:

siavosh.mahmoodshahi@york.gov.uk

Implementation Status:

Work in Progress

Start Date: (DD/MM/YYYY)	10 August 2023
Due Date: (DD/MM/YYYY)
Complete Date: (DD/MM/YYYY)

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