Permanent repairs to bridges destroyed during flooding in the Yorkshire Dales in summer 2019 is about to start, with a Dales road set to close for four months for the work to be completed.
Both Cogden North bridge, on the B6270 Richmond to Grinton road, and Cogden South bridge on the C106 near Grinton Moor, will be replaced with permanent bridges, beginning on September 14.
The work to rebuild the Cogden North bridge on the B6270 will begin on September 14 and is anticipated to be completed by November 30.
The B6270 will remain open as usual during the reconstruction, but there will be some traffic management using two-way lights toward the end of the scheme, with a one-night road closure when the new bridge units are lifted into place.
Access will be maintained throughout the works with the exception of the night closure.
The work to rebuild the Cogden South bridge, between Grinton and Leyburn, is programmed to begin on September 14 and anticipated to be completed by January 25, 2021.
The location of this bridge means there is very limited space for contractors to work safely and effectively while the road is open.
Engineers have carefully considered the need to complete these works as quickly and safely as possible with the minimum of disruption.
To achieve this, a full road closure will be required for the 16-week construction period, with no access for pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles, due to the alignment of the road and the space needed for the construction works to be carried out safely.
County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, said: “When the two Grinton bridges collapsed last July, our bridges and highway teams worked closely with the local community to repair the damaged bridges and get the roads re-opened.
“Now we are ready to begin the construction of new bridges to serve local residents and visitors for decades to come.”
County Councillor Yvonne Peacock, member for the Upper Dales, said: “The bridges are part of a vital infrastructure in the Dales and it’s a positive step that work is starting on them.
“When the floods happened, the local community and county council reacted very quickly to a difficult situation – working together to find a solution.
“North Yorkshire County Council will continue to do that going forward.”
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As a Reeth resident, I would rather keep the temporary bridge at Cogden, and keep our access to Leyburn open! Alternatively, why can’t the temporary bridge at Cogden be kept open while the new one is being built ? It does not have to be in exactly the same spot as the old one.