A PLAN which will allow a long-closed bypass to reopen - narrowed to one lane over a damaged section - is now in place.
Specialist testing and analysis following the arson attack in the Lockwood Lane pedestrian subway, on the A635 Goldthorpe bypass in July, is now complete.
The testing revealed the damage extends into the subway structure beyond that which can be seen.
A council statement said: “Results of the testing and the completion of a structural assessment have identified that the damage has significantly impacted the structure’s safe load-carrying capacity.
“However, the testing and assessment has allowed the engineers to establish a section of the structure which can safely carry traffic.
“Engineers will now work to effectively ‘saw’ through the structure, separating the damaged section from that which is largely intact.
“Once this and other temporary works have been completed, we will then be able to open the bypass.
“It will be restricted to one lane, with reduced speed limits and temporary traffic lights over the subway itself.
“This means traffic can pass over one side while the other side is partially demolished and rebuilt.
"We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time - the subway will remain closed to pedestrians throughout this work.”
