Traffic chaos as bungling contractor closes main road indefinitely

DRIVERS in South Yorkshire face traffic chaos after a council closed part of a main road indefinitely – because a contractor left a retaining wall in danger of collapse.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Sep 2010, 12:59 BST

Updated 8th Sep 2010, 13:30 BST

Barnsley Council has installed emergency traffic lights on the A61 Park Road at Worsbrough, near the junction with Vernon Road and West Street.

The council said a private developer working alongside the road had "undermined the retaining wall" that holds up the highway.

A council statement said: "By his action, the developer has created the potential for collapse of the wall, which in turn could affect the stability of the footway and carriageway. The council has taken this action to minimise the risk to the travelling public using the A61."

The council has yet to establish a timetable for repairs and has warned drivers to expect delays at peak times "until further notice".