Toll bridge repairs planned over fear of collapse

North Yorkshire's only toll bridge is set to undergo repairs amid concerns it could collapse if work is not carried out.

Signs of cracking have appeared in the brickwork on the privately owned Aldwark Toll Bridge, which spans the River Ure between Boroughbridge and Easingwold.

Its owners, Westwick Group, have applied for listed building consent for investigative work to determine the best strategy for completing repairs.

A report to North Yorkshire Council said: "Recent inspections have identified structural deterioration within the brick arch sections, presenting a risk of progressive failure if left unaddressed."

It added: "The proposed works are therefore necessary to secure the long-term preservation of the bridge and prevent the loss of historic fabric through collapse."

The bridge consists of 12 brick flood arches on the western bank and 10 on the eastern bank, which are connected by a cast iron stilt section which crosses the main body of the river.

The proposals seek to investigate the arches, which have cracked under the weight and frequency of vehicles travelling across.

The initial tests would include cleaning, coring, drilling and trial pits at the Grade II listed structure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Further planning applications would then be submitted for the repairs, which would include repointing the existing brickwork and infilling the arches with concrete for structural stability.

The report added: "Overall, the intended works will represent a sensitive and proportionate response to the bridge's condition."

The bridge will remain open and operational during the investigative work.

Agents for the owner have said there could be some short closures for a few hours to allow for hand digging in the highway surface, but extended road closures were not intended.

The bridge, which has elements built in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, is run by businessman Alex Bell.

It was closed in April 2023 and reopened in February the following year after a £700,000 refurbishment project.

Last year, the secretary of state for transport approved increases to fees to use the bridge, which saves drivers a 25-mile detour on a round trip.

The price to cross the bridge increased from 40p to £1 and from £1 to £2 for goods vehicles.

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