Visitors to High and Low Force may need to walk a little further to see the landmarks following the temporary closure of an historic bridge.
Engineers and specially trained rope access teams have been carrying out work at the historic Wynch Bridge in Teesdale, but they have found damage to the suspension crossing is more serious than originally thought and it has had to close with immediate effect.
Durham County Council’s head of technical services, John Reed, said: “We appreciate that for visitors walking between Bowlees visitor centre and High and Low Force waterfalls this will be an inconvenience, but in the interests of safety we have to close the bridge.
“Rest assured work is already ongoing and we will carry out repairs to this historic crossing as soon as we can.
“In the meantime there are alternative, though longer, paths and footbridges to cross the River Tees, and we thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding.”
The bridge, which is Grade II listed, was built for the Duke of Cleveland in 1820 as a replacement for what was said to be the earliest suspension bridge in Europe. It has tapered cast iron Tuscan-style columns, with wrought iron hangers, suspension cables and handrails, and a wooden deck.
Originally the bridge was built to enable lead miners who lived at Holwick to reach the mines at Middleton.
Further inspections of the structure, to determine the extent of the repairs needed, will take place as soon as possible.
