A MAIN route to the Royal Bolton Hospital was today set to reopen to ambulances after engineers said Green Lane Bridge was safe to carry light vehicles.

The closure of the bridge, which connects the hospital and St Peter's Way, had come under fire from patients' watchdog the Community Health Council and Bolton South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon.

They warned that adding time to the ambulance journey could mean the difference between life and death.

Now further investigations by council and Railtrack engineers, including a more detailed analysis, have concluded the bridge can re-open to traffic under three tonnes.

They say more frequent inspections will ensure the bridge, closed because it was not considered strong enough for heavier loads, is safe.

But the bridge will still only be open one way, West to East, allowing ambulances to use Green Lane to respond to incidents on or beyond St Peter's Way.

A spokesman on behalf of Bolton Council and Railtrack said: "We appreciate that Green Lane Bridge is an extremely important link and getting the route open again has been our top priority.

"Our engineers have worked together to reopen the bridge, but we have had to put safeguards in place to prevent abuse of restrictions."

Width and height barriers will be used to ensure the three tonne limit is not abused.

Meanwhile the council is preparing to launch a consultation on the future of two other bridges.

Engineers say reaction has been split since Rumworth Road and Lostock Junction bridges were closed over whether they should be reopened.

Experts will be asked if the bridge should either be kept closed to motor traffic or to re-open the bridge for vehicles up to 40 tonnes.