One of North Yorkshire’s most famous bridges will close this autumn for repairs.
Whitby’s historic swing bridge is to be given a £200,000 refurbishment, which will improve access for pedestrians and enable the crossing to withstand long periods of extreme heat.
North Yorkshire Council has revealed details of the scheme today (Wednesday, 9 August).
A council team will remove the existing road surface down to the steel deck.
They will then waterproof and resurface the bridge, incorporating a lighter coloured surface to reduce heat absorption and expansion of the bridge deck.
And the footpaths will be widened to improve safety for pedestrians during busy periods.
The programme is due to begin on Monday, 2 October, lasting for two weeks.
The road will be closed to traffic and pedestrians, with a shuttle bus service transporting passengers to the other side of the town. It will remain open for boats to pass in and out of the harbour.
Repainting the swing bridge is planned for next year.
Very crowded
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “The swing bridge links both sides of Whitby and is one of the town’s busiest areas.
“We’re carrying out essential maintenance and improvement works to the bridge’s mechanics, ensuring it remains in good working order.
“We are also widening the footpaths to improve public safety during weekends and summer holidays when the bridge can get very crowded.
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“These upcoming works will not only future-proof the bridge, but enhance the experience of glorious Whitby for both visitors and locals.”
The current swing bridge, which spans 75ft, was built in 1908. It links the upper and lower harbour areas and the east and west sides of the town.
Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents Whitby Streonshalh on the council, said: “The upcoming works will have significant benefits for the historic bridge, which requires an extensive refurbishment to ensure the opening mechanism can continue to operate on a daily basis.
“Although there is never a good time to carry out such works, we have timed them outside of the busy tourist season to minimise disruption as much as possible.”
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