HISTORIC England has approved plans for the next stage of investigations at Whorlton Bridge, potentially allowing for repairs to begin this autumn.
The Grade II listed bridge was closed to vehicles in July 2019 after defects were found and then closed to all traffic in December 2020 when an inspection found it at risk of “catastrophic collapse”. A portion of a £20m levelling up grant for the Bishop Auckland constituency will be used to make repairs.
Investigation approval which began late last month means contractors can learn more about the structure’s anchor points.
An update from Durham County Council revealed that other works include excavating boreholes and CCTV surveys to understand how the bridge chains are connected and to determine what work is needed below ground.
The council said this research will allow for the formal application for Scheduled Monument Consent to be submitted.
Mark Readman, Durham County Council’s head of highways, said: “We continue to progress exploratory work on Whorlton Bridge, as scheduled, with a view to starting the required physical works in the autumn.
“Taziker (contractors) carried out investigations and testing of the bridge, which has assisted us in engaging with other consultants to develop the design and estimates.”
A report from the council added: “Once all necessary investigations have been completed and additional consents are in place, we will negotiate a contract during the summer with a view to works commencing in the autumn with our preferred contractor.”
