Fears that North Yorkshire bridge could collapse without more repairs
North Yorkshire’s only toll bridge is set to undergo repairs amid concerns it could collapse if work is not carried out.
Signs of cracking have appeared in brickwork on Aldwark Toll Bridge, which spans the River Ure between Boroughbridge and Easingwold.
The owners of the bridge have applied for listed building consent for investigative work to determine the best strategy for the repair work.
[insert.advert]
A report to North Yorkshire Council states: “Recent inspections have identified structural deterioration within the brick arch sections, presenting a risk of progressive failure if left unaddressed.
“The proposed works are therefore necessary to secure the long-term preservation of the bridge and prevent the loss of historic fabric through collapse.”
The bridge consists of 12 brick flood arches to the western bank, and ten brick flood arches on the eastern bank, which are connected by a cast iron stilt section which crosses the main body of the river.
The proposals seek to investigate the brick flood arches, which have cracked under the weight and frequency of vehicles above.
Alwark Toll Bridge. Image: planning documents
The initial tests would include cleaning, coring, drilling, and trial pits at the Grade II-listed structure.
Further planning applications would then be submitted for the repairs, which would include repointing the existing brickwork and infilling the arches with concrete to provide structural stability.
The report adds: “Overall, the intended works will represent a sensitive and proportionate response to the bridge’s condition.
“Any new elements would be subservient to the original structure.
“The future scheme will prioritise the retention of the historic fabric and preserves the bridge’s appearance and function, ultimately ensuring the bridges survival for the future.”
The bridge will remain open and operational during the investigative work.
Alwark Toll Bridge. Image: planning documents
Agents for the owner say there may be some short closures for a few hours to allow for hand digging in the highway surface, but extended road closures are not intended
The bridge, which has elements built in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, is owned by the Westwick Group, which is run by businessman Alex Bell.
It was closed in April 2023 and reopened in February the following year after a £700,000 refurbishment project.
Last year, the Secretary of State for Transport approved increases to fees to use the bridge, which saves drivers a 25-mile detour on a round trip.
The government agreed to Mr Bell’s submission to increase the crossing for cars from 40p to £1, with phased increases afterwards.
For larger vehicles, the toll doubled from £1 to £2.
After ten years, the toll will be £1.40 and £2.60 respectively.
Other Stories
‘He’s got cancer, I’ve got cancer. He gets it.’ York patients bond with King
E-bike catches fire in York city centre
Police reveal details of raid that left Savers in Acomb cordoned off
Woman fighting for her life after crash with HGV near Harrogate
Man dies after tractor and cycle crash near York
Whitby swing bridge jams – Please find another route, say police
Video and pix: King Charles visits York
Speed restriction on the East Coast Main Line at Tollerton due to heat
Council goes to court in a bid to move York travellers on
Increase in North Yorkshire shoppers being duped by AI ‘High Street’ scams
Woman rescued after falling onto rocks at Aysgarth Falls
Spark York announces brand new opening times – with special offers!
Crash closes the A61 near Ripon
WIN a one night stay at Impossible Hotel with Lunch
Keys stolen to York city centre bar
Work to start soon converting York city centre shop into hotel
Trapped bull rescued from river near ancient abbey
Tree down near York supermarket disrupts traffic
‘Exquisite’ country house near York goes on sale for £4.95m
Biker dies in collision with car in the Yorkshire Dales
Man dies after crash between York and Malton
Police cordon in place after York shop raid
York could hit 33°C today – Heat warning in place
Firefighters rescue cat trapped on a ledge in York
Woman dies in crash on main road east of York
York man jailed after ‘spanner attack’ that could have killed woman
‘We are delighted’: Plan to turn York pub into café refused
Dogs rescued from drainage ditch
Track work at Tollerton means another day of buses replacing trains
Holgate Road junction in York looks set to be closed all week
First for Scarborough Hospice
Bike theft under investigation
‘Kings of comedy’ are bringing mythical farce to York
A166 closed as police deal with accident
Parents who have fostered for more than 33 years…
Supermarket in York closed for work to extend the store
Exploring connections between stories and songs
Police warn against swimming at Haddlesey Lock
20 must-visit cocktail bars in York
A community picnic in York aims to give local people a voice for the city
MP raises concern at police filming Palestine supporters at march in York
March through York in support of Palestine
Fire crews free trapped fox
New chef at York restaurant to bring ‘interesting, exciting’ food with Med twist
Fun Run in memory of Millie Wright takes place in Upper Poppleton
Drivers in York being warned of delays
Free family fun event in North Yorkshire set to be ‘an incredible day of music’
Post office services believed to be under threat again in part of York