MOTORISTS using a historic suspension bridge to cross the River Tees face up to 12 months of travel disruption after highways bosses agreed to close the scheduled monument for safety work.
Whorlton Bridge, which was constructed in 1829, was closed to traffic temporarily last month after a routine inspection showed there was a “safety defect” . It remained open to pedestrians and cyclists, but a detour was put in place for motorists.
However, officials at Durham County Council, confirmed this week the bridge, believed to be the oldest known chain suspension bridge in the country, could take up to a year to repair.
Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at Durham County Council, said: “Whorlton suspension bridge was closed to vehicular traffic last month after our engineers discovered a critical safety defect while carrying out a routine inspection.
“Further inspections revealed the element of the bridge that has failed is made from the same material as the other suspension chain links. It is vital we fully assess all similar elements on the bridge to eliminate the risk of a serious failure.”
The grade II-listed bridge, designed by John and Benjamin Green of Newcastle, has a single-track, wood-planked roadway and is supported by iron suspension chains. It is popular route across the Tees for many motorists to get to Barnard Castle from outlying villages of Wycliffe, Ovington and Hutton Magna.
Mr Buckley added: “Our engineers are planning these complex inspections, which must be agreed with Historic England. Once complete, we can develop a repair scheme and apply for scheduled ancient monument consent.
“Unfortunately, this could take up to 12 months and the bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic during this time. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the crossing but there may be occasions where a total closure is required. We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time.”
A detour for motorists is still in place and anyone needing to cross the river are being directed to use Winston bridge, some three miles to the east.
The owner of the popular eaterie Fernaville’s Rest in Whorlton, Thomas Magnay, was resigned to the bridge closure and said: “It will obviously have some impact on us. There are a lot of locals who use the bridge as a cut through from other villages to get to Whorlton.
“It is the quickest route from the A66 to us. The bridge does need a fair amount of work and what will be will be. We don’t know just how much of an impact it will have on us yet.”
Another business which could feel the effects of the bridge closure is Thorpe Light Railway, which runs open days at their site on the south side of the bridge.
The friends have scheduled to open the site next month as part of the Heritage Open days.
