An almost 200 year old suspension bridge in County Durham has closed indefinitely following an assessment which showed the structure is not safe to carry pedestrians and cyclists in its current condition.
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Whorlton Bridge, near Barnard Castle, is a Grade II listed structure which opened in 1831. It is thought to be Britain’s second oldest chain suspension bridge after the Union Chain Bridge over the River Tweed on the English / Scottish border.
The structure closed to motorised vehicles in August 2019 – since when a diversion has been in place – after a failure to one of its hangers was discovered.
It has now also been closed to active users following further assessments to determine its condition and load carrying capacity, which found other deteriorating hangers.
Durham County Council says it is investigating whether construction of an alternative crossing for walkers is feasible while plans to repair and reopen the historic structure are taken forward.
“Given the nature and the historical importance of the bridge, careful consideration is going to have to be taken as to the scope of works required,” said the council’s corporate director for neighbourhoods and climate change Alan Patrickson.
“It will also take careful planning and consultation with appropriate specialists whilst we look to secure the future of the bridge.” He added the council would seek permission and support from Historic England and the Environment Agency before progressing with any works.
Closure of Whorlton Bridge comes after Hammersmith Bridge in London was shut to all users this summer when a heatwave caused defects to worsen. Plans to restore the bridge are being developed and a temporary ferry service is set to be introduced to provide an alternative crossing of the Thames.
It also follows a Freedom of Information request to Highways England which revealed that close to half of road bridges on the strategic road network have sections that are defined as being in either poor or very poor condition.
Meanwhile, data published by the RAC Foundation earlier this year indicates that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are responsible for over 3000 substandard bridges – unable to carry the heaviest vehicles permitted on the roads – which is 4.3% of the total local authority bridge stock.
(Photograph: Peter McDermott and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)
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