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Cllr Dr Tristan Learoyd pictured in front of the railway bridge on the A1085 into Marske(Image: Supplied)

Significant investment is needed in a Victorian-era railway bridge at the entrance to Marske in order to avoid future traffic problems and a potential serious accident, a councillor says. Councillor Dr Tristan Learoyd said a recent closure of the A1085 which runs under the bridge was a “clear sign of problems to come”.

A one-way system with traffic lights is due to be put in place in order to eventually facilitate a footpath under the bridge, the works having previously been agreed as part of planning permission for hundreds of new homes being built south of Marske.

Last month a partial closure of the A1085 southbound pre-programmed for water main repairs had to be turned into a full emergency closure in both directions after Redcar and Cleveland Council said some drivers ignored signs and were seen travelling on the wrong side of the road, presenting an unacceptable risk to public safety.

Cllr Learoyd said: “The partial closure was a clear sign of the problems to come with a one-way system under this old bridge. The Victorian infrastructure cannot be amended in such a manner to be safe and we require significant investment to either widen the tunnel or produce a footbridge over the railway so that the one way system is avoided."

The St Germain’s ward councillor said he had contacted officers from the Tees Valley Combined Authority to make a case for a new footbridge to be built over the railway for pedestrians which would avoid the requirement for a footpath.

A TVCA spokesperson said: "TVCA has funding allocated to deliver a programme of enhancements at railway stations across Tees Valley, which includes looking to develop and deliver improvements at Marske station. TVCA is keen to explore how connectivity between new housing and the station can be improved and will work with partners including Network Rail and Redcar and Cleveland Council on options to improve accessibility for all."

A spokesman for Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining the A1085 railway bridge, said it had no plans to renew the bridge which was “structurally capable”. He said, in itself, there were no evident signs that could compromise the safety of the operational railway or members of the public.

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