Bathwick Street closed by police after early morning collision on Cleveland Bridge

Bathwick Street in Bath was closed by police following a collision earlier this morning, with long delays being reported as commuters headed into the city via the A4 London Road.

Photo courtesy of @RichardInBath on Twitter

The driver collided with a number of bollards and one of the buildings on Cleveland Bridge, leading to the closure of Bathwick Street between the A4 London Road and the Daniel Street junction.

The road was closed to allow for the former toll house building to be structurally assessed by teams from B&NES Council.

Avon and Somerset Police received reports of the collision at 1.30am this morning, saying a car had hit a number of parked vehicles before colliding with the bridge.

It is not known if the driver was injured.

Bathwick Street closed for the foreseeable due to an earlier RTC. Traffic likely to be bad in #Bath this morning so pls allow time to travel

— Tom Gent (@ASPolfed_Chair) August 21, 2017

Photo courtesy of @antinbath on Twitter

Cleveland Bridge closed both ways! A vehicle has demolished part of the gate house! @BathChron

— Schwartz Bros. (@SchwartzBros1) August 21, 2017

A spokesperson for Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “The toll lodge on Cleveland Bridge is significantly damaged following an accident in the early hours of this morning, but the Bridge remains structurally sound.

“Following an inspection of the toll lodge this morning the Council’s Highways engineers hope to reopen one lane over the bridge under temporary traffic signals at lunchtime today.

“These are expected to remain in place throughout this evenings rush hour. The traffic management signs have been updated to alert drivers to seek other alternative routes.

“Traffic is very heavy and drivers are advised to the avoid this route.”

Before: Where the collision happened | © Google

#BANESHighways #A36 Bathwick St, Bath closed due to accident until further notice. Expect delays in city centre

— Bath & North East Somerset Council (@bathnes) August 21, 2017

#BANESHighways – #A36 Bathwick St closure – diversion route for thru traffic: use A4, A3604 Windsor Bridge, A36

— Council Connect (@ccbathnes) August 21, 2017

Photo courtesy of @antinbath on Twitter

Update 13.45: B&NES Council has issued the following update: “One lane has now been reopened on A4 Cleveland Bridge in Bath following an accident in the early hours of this morning.

“Temporary traffic lights have been installed to manage the flow of traffic on the major route through the city.

“While the bridge itself remains structurally sound, significant damage was caused to one of the toll lodges on the bridge.

“Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Building Control and Property Services are currently liaising with the tenant of the toll house regarding the necessary works to make the structure safe.

“It is likely these essential safety works will take a number of days.  While the work is carried out, one lane on the bridge will remain closed and the temporary traffic lights will remain in place.

“Traffic management signs have been updated to alert drivers to seek other alternative routes.”