Bordeaux bridge 'to stay closed to traffic until June'

Mayor announces Pont de pierre will be restricted to pedestrians and cyclists pending a final decision later in the year

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Bordeaux's Pont de pierre will remain closed to vehicles until at least June, the city's mayor Alain Juppé has announced.

The decision was made despite protests from local businesses, residents and motorbikers calling for the bridge to be reopened. A march demanding a partial reopening of the river crossing took place on Friday.

The famous bridge was closed on August 1, 2017, as part of an experiment that coincided with plans to improve traffic flow and public transport. It has remained open to pedestrians, cyclists and trams - and cycling association Vélocité has voiced its support for the closure.

But Mr Juppé said the closure would remain in place until June, when a permanent decision will be made as to whether to reopen the bridge, which has been in use since 1822.

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