Middleham Bridge has reopened to traffic — weeks earlier than initially expected — following emergency work to make the historic structure safe after it was struck by an HGV.
North Yorkshire Council confirmed the Grade II-listed bridge over the River Ure reopened on Friday, October 2, after its bridges team dismantled and removed the damaged decorative arch.
The bridge, which provides an important link between Middleham and Leyburn, has been completely closed since September 3 following the collision.
The impact caused significant damage to the southern decorative masonry arch, with sections of stonework lost and part of the structure displaced, creating what engineers described at the time as a “significant structural risk”.
Initial estimates suggested emergency work might not allow the bridge to reopen until the end of October, with permanent repairs expected next year.
However, the work has progressed more quickly than anticipated, allowing the route to reopen several weeks earlier.
The emergency repairs are estimated to cost around £40,000.
North Yorkshire Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “We are pleased to have moved quickly in appointing a contractor to carry out the necessary works to Middleham Bridge.
“Everybody involved in the project has worked incredibly hard to make the structure safe to restore access for road users as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate how important this route is in the area, so I would like to thank residents, businesses, schools and visitors for their patience.
“We are now looking at a long-term solution to reduce the risk of future vehicle strikes while keeping its historic character.”
Specialist contractor Wilf Noble Construction Ltd was appointed directly by the council to carry out the emergency work because of the urgency of the situation.
The company had previously worked on Middleham Bridge following similarly serious damage in 2008 and has experience working on the historic structure. The £40,000 cost is expected to be recovered through an insurance recharge.
Although the bridge has now been made safe for traffic, further work will be required.
Engineers are proposing to increase the height of the decorative arches by around 250mm — approximately ten inches — to reduce the risk of them being struck by HGVs in future.
Council officers have previously said the additional clearance would allow most vehicles to pass safely beneath the arches.
Because the bridge is Grade II listed, the council will need to secure Listed Building Consent before making the alteration.
Subject to approval, the work is expected to be carried out next summer.
If consent is refused, the damaged arch would instead be reconstructed in its existing position and form.
The council has also previously considered introducing a Traffic Regulation Order preventing vehicles higher than 13ft from passing beneath the arch.
Officers said existing height warning signs were not enforceable and were believed to be “regularly ignored”.
Middleham Bridge dates from 1830 and has undergone numerous alterations during its history.
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