Locals fear Blacksole Bridge collapse in Herne Bay. They urge KCC action due to potholes and damage.
Victor Calleja calls it a “deathtrap.” Potholes make cars drive in the road’s center. It’s a narrow road with a blind corner, and water leaks constantly into the old brick bridge. The road links Altira Park and the A299, connecting to Reculver and east Herne Bay. The road closed earlier this week when South East Water fixed a burst water main.
Calleja wants Kent County Council (KCC) to act and fix it before an accident happens. He told KCC about the problem last May. KCC said they need Network Rail’s approval, as any work on the bridge needs their approval.
Calleja said the council and railway aren’t talking, and nobody accepts responsibility. He thinks it’s dangerous because cars meet in a tight space on the bridge. Drivers cannot swerve to avoid potholes and may have to drive on the wrong side. He’s seen scary driving on the bridge’s bends.
The bridge is getting worse fast. There’s water everywhere, possibly from a broken main, and the potholes are even hard to see due to the water. Freezing water could damage the brickwork. Heavy vehicles use the bridge all the time, as it carries traffic over train lines.
KCC’s “Pothole Blitz” didn’t include the bridge, although repairs were promised in the summer. But action has not occurred yet, and Calleja has asked KCC to fix it for months.
Sir Roger Gale, Herne Bay’s MP, wrote to KCC officials last month. He demanded action on the bridge, stating it looks like an accident is waiting to happen.
KCC understands the concerns and says they inspect the bridge every week to ensure it’s safe for drivers now. Resurfacing work was delayed because improvement work was planned nearby, where South East Water fixed a burst water main, which caused bigger potholes on the bridge.
KCC plans urgent work to resurface it. They will meet with Network Rail soon to discuss the work. This is because the bridge goes over the railway. KCC will update the public later, sharing details once agreed.
No dates were given for repairs. The water leak repairs ended Thursday, during which residents experienced low or no water pressure. A water station was at Sainsbury’s nearby. The bridge closure made diversions long.
Calleja says he first reported the issue last May, and no action has occurred. South East Water fixed the leak through the night, and Jim MacIntyre said they want the road reopened soon. He thanked customers for their patience. Network Rail was asked for their comment, but they didn’t reply yet.