Historic 193-year-old bridge to be dismantled amid vehicle safety concerns
The bridge is to be dismantled and restored before reopening next year
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An almost 200-year-old bridge is getting ready to undergo crucial maintenance work after safety concerns about its structure were raised, which could impact motorists.
The historic Whorlton Bridge in Durham, which was erected 193 years ago, will undergo a massive transformation to restore it piece by piece.
Work on the bridge has been pending since 2020 when it closed to drivers after it was found the structure was not strong enough to support vehicles.
The grade II structure has been subject to testing over the past few years to check that it still is roadworthy and can support both vehicles and walkers. However, after multiple reports, the bridge will need to completely come down.
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The Union Chain Bridge is also undergoing renovations
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Whorlton Bridge formally opened in July 1831 and was cited as a nationally important archaeological site, given its classification as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England.
Preparatory works ahead of its restoration have been completed with Durham County Council now looking to begin dismantling the bridge.
The team will record around 1,800 components before inspecting which includes testing and repainting.
Councillor John Shuttleworth said: "Whorlton Bridge is almost two hundred years old, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and therefore a very important part of our history and heritage.
He added: “It is only right that we treat the bridge with the respect it deserves and therefore a lot of work has gone into preparations to ensure that the restoration project returns the bridge to its former glory.
"We would like to thank local residents and the travelling public for their patience and understanding whilst the works continue."
The restoration work has been funded by money generated from the Conservative Government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2021.
The bridge hopes to open to the public next year but will remain closed to all traffic, including walkers and cyclists, with diversions in place throughout the works.
The structure is the second oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the UK followed by the Union Chain Bridge which spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe, Northumberland, England and Fishwick.
Over the summer, it was announced that Union Bridge would undergo restoration work and follows on from a project to carefully remove every piece from the bridge which was checked and restored or replaced before being reassembled.
Paul Jones, Director of Environment and Transport at Northumberland County Council, said: “The restoration of the Union Chain Bridge was a hugely challenging engineering scheme combining the latest techniques along with centuries-old craftsmanship and materials.
“While it was important to get the main works completed and the bridge open, there were some non-critical elements which we need the contractor to complete, as well as some work to replace a number of the bridge deck panels under warranty.”
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Several bridges have been forced to undergo refurbishments recently
GETTYThe council stated it was sorry for the inconvenience caused by the bridge closure but wanted the work to be done when the weather improved and ahead of the main summer holiday season.