Craven District Council : Essential maintenance to begin on historic bridge in Craven

Essential maintenance to begin on historic bridge in Craven

The Grade II-listed Gray Bridge in Horton-in-Ribblesdale

A bridge dating from the 18th century is set to undergo a four-week programme of repairs to ensure that it continues to provide a key route in the Yorkshire Dales.

The work to the Grade II-listed Gray Bridge in Horton-in-Ribblesdale will repair a large crack which has appeared on the arch barrel.

The large-scale repairs, which total more than £60,000, will involve excavating down to the arch barrel, strengthening the bridge with a concrete saddle and repointing. Repairs are also required following a recent collision.

North Yorkshire County Council’s bridges team will begin the work on Monday, November 7th, lasting for four weeks. It was postponed in February this year due to local concerns around the lambing season.

As the bridge is very narrow, the road will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians, but the footbridge to the west will be open.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “The bridge is incredibly old and unfortunately a large crack has appeared in the arch barrel. The upcoming works will strengthen the bridge to prevent further damage.”

To minimise the inconvenience to residents who live on the Settle side of the bridge, National Parks is issuing parking permits for its car park during the closure. The county council’s passenger transport team is also splitting the school bus route and organising for drop-off and pick-ups at the car park.

Cllr David Staveley, who represents the Settle and Penyghent division on the county council, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for the disruption the closure will cause. However, having listened to residents’ concerns, we feel this offers the least inconvenient option.

“I would urge all residents to familiarise themselves with the diversion route and please share this with any friends or neighbours who may not be aware of the closure.”

For details of the diversion route visit the county council’s roadworks map at www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-map