Bridge closed after lorry causes severe damage

6 hours ago

Louise FewsterYorkshire

News image — The listed bridge has been closed to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists while a plan for repairs is developed

North Yorkshire Council A tall grey stone arch with a cross on each side over a single road. The picture shows a works vehicle under the bridge with a cone in the middle of the picture to the right of the road. — The listed bridge has been closed to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists while a plan for repairs is developed

A 19th Century bridge in North Yorkshire has been closed to traffic and pedestrians after being struck by a lorry, causing "severe damage" to its decorative masonry arches.

Large sections of masonry had fallen due to the impact of the lorry in the incident which happened on Thursday, according to North Yorkshire Council.

Engineers had confirmed the bridge arch was too unstable for temporary repairs to be carried out to allow the road to be reopened, a council spokesperson said.

Council leader Carl Les said more updates about the bridge, which was originally built in 1830 and which connects Middleham and Leyburn, would be provided "as work progresses".

The bridge closure comes ahead of the fourth stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race which is due to finish in Leyburn, near Middleham, on Saturday.

The event will take place as planned, but spectators have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes.

North Yorkshire Council Stone bridge with height and width restriction traffic sign in the middle of the top of the bridge. Image shows the top left hand corner of the bridge with a gap in the stone work — The damaged arch on Middleham Bridge, which has lost sections of stonework after it was struck by a heavy goods vehicle

In a statement, Les thanked residents and motorists for their patience and understanding while the safety work was carried out.

"Concrete barriers and fencing have been installed to secure the site and prevent access to the bridge to ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians," he said.

While the bridge remains closed, motorists have been advised to use signed diversion routes: