Whorlton Bridge to reopen soon

Whorlton Bridge will reopen early next month according to the latest estimates from Durham County Council.

It had been hoped that the vital community link over the River Tees would finally open to traffic this month after closing to vehicles in 2019 and pedestrians and cyclists the following year.

In April, a Durham County Council spokesman said: “The refurbished bridge, which opened in 1831, is due to re-open later in the summer once all ancillary works are complete.”

However, following a request from the Mercury this week for a more accurate reopening date, Paul Anderson, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said: “Work continues to progress well on Whorlton Bridge, with the major bridge elements all now installed.

“We’re currently completing remaining works, which include the installation of the tower tops and safety barriers.

“Resurfacing work on the northern approach road will also be completed before the bridge reopens to ensure it once again becomes an important link between Whorlton village and nearby communities.

“We anticipate this work will be complete early next month.

“We will update residents with an opening date as soon as we are able to but would like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience in the meantime.”

Roads in Whorlton, which had been in a serious state of disrepair, were resurfaced late last month in readiness for the bridge reopening.