Resident says road under bridge is 'death trap'

Residents have raised safety concerns over a single track road underneath a bridge which they say endangers drivers and pedestrians.

The bridge, which links Chandos Street and Emerys Road in Netherfield in Nottinghamshire, is more than 100 years old and near a local primary school.

Kayleigh Marsden, 39, who walks and drives her children to school under the bridge, said she had had several "near-misses" with other vehicles and described the road as a "death trap".

Nottinghamshire County Council, which is responsible for the road underneath the bridge, said it was looking into adding more signage or markings in the area.

The railway line on the bridge has been out of action since the 1990s, as it was previously used to connect the area to Gedling Colliery.

The structure of the bridge, which dates back to the late 1800s, is maintained by Network Rail.

Some residents have said they think the single track road, which is only wide enough for one vehicle to pass through at a time, is unsafe.

Marsden said she had to pass through the bridge to drop her child off at Netherfield Primary School.

"This tunnel has been unsafe for years, but recently, the road is busier and cars are are speeding down it," she said.

"I've had near misses with other cars while my kids are in the backseat. You can't always see what's round the corner. Honestly, I think it's deadly, like a death-trap.

"Now the bridge isn't used anymore, surely we can make it wider and have a pedestrian path or some lighting.

"Something needs to be done about it."

Macey Smith, 25, whose daughter also attends the school, said she avoided walking under the bridge "at all costs".

She said: "I grew up in the area and this bridge has always been dangerous - it's too narrow.

"It is luck that nobody has been hit yet. You could take your eye off your kid for two seconds and they could be in front of a car.

"My youngest is in a pram and nowadays, I just wouldn't chance walking that way. I'd rather spend twice as long walking around it."

County councillor Mike Adams, who represents Carlton East, said he was looking into concerns about the bridge with the Highways Team.

He said: "I am taking these concerns seriously, but this isn't a quick fix.

"This bridge is part of a bygone age where the world moved much slower, and I understand that it might be outdated in dealing with the traffic we have now.

"If we were to widen the bridge to make a footpath, we'd have to speak to Network Rail as they own the structure of the bridge, and look at whether it's practically possible.

"I would encourage people to bring any ideas to me - whether that is better lighting, or more signage, I want to hear it and we'll try and make it safer for everyone."

A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire County Council said: "The issue was raised with us by Councillor Adams.

"There is currently pedestrian signage in the area, but we're looking to see if there are any additional markings or signage that could be implemented."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We continue to manage and inspect the bridge to ensure it remains safe and in a serviceable condition."

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