Work to remove a city centre footbridge is taking place this week. 

The A690 in Durham will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles overnight near the Gilesgate roundabout until Friday while Leazes Footbridge is demolished. 

The closure will be in place from 7pm to 5am each night and diversions will be in place.

Leazes Footbridge linked the Gilesgate and Claypath areas of the city and was used by hundreds of residents, commuters, and students daily. 

The bridge was partially demolished on Monday The bridge was partially demolished on Monday (Image: The Northern Echo)

However, Durham County Council said it needed to demolish the bridge due to safety issues. It closed last year on health and safety grounds after a review found it was beyond economical repair. 

However, local campaigners disputed the claim and said the bridge should be saved. 

A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been built to replace the bridge and is now operating at the existing traffic lights on Gilesgate Roundabout - but has been labelled a safety risk by residents. 

Yet, Durham County Council said the new crossing is the best solution. “Not only does this provide a safe and accessible route across the A690 for everyone, but it offers the best value for money for taxpayers.”

The road is expected to fully reopen to traffic at 5am on Friday. 

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Footpath and overnight road closures

• The A690/Leazes Road will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles in both directions between Gilesgate Roundabout and Ravensworth Terrace overnight for five nights from Sunday, September 29. The closure will be in place from 7pm to 5am each night and diversions will be in place.

• Daytime footpath closures will also be in place from Sunday, September 29, on both sides of the A690. Only one footpath will be closed at any given time with diversions via the opposite footpath.

• 24-hour footpath closures will be in place on both sides of the A690 near the footbridge for up to six weeks from Monday, October 7. Only one footpath will be closed at any one time and diversions via the opposite footpath.