Whorlton bridge is staying shut to traffc for the forseeable future, says chief

OFFICERS are still in the dark about when repairs will start to Whorlton Bridge which was closed to traffic almost a year ago.
The bridge, which was constructed in 1829, was closed to traffic temporarily last August after a routine inspection showed there was a “safety defect” . It remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, but a detour was put in place for motorists.
Highways officers are expecting to receive a final assessment report of the bridge’s load carrying capacity later this month.
Brian Buckley, Durham County Council’s strategic highways manager, said: “Until that is received, we can’t identify the extent of the repairs or determine a timescale for the proposed works, which would need approval from Historic England.
“As a result, the bridge will remain closed to vehicles for the foreseeable future.”