Whorlton Bridge refurbishment updates

Whorlton Bridge video transcript (PDF, 78 KB)

Schedule of work

Progress

November 2024

• The timber deck and below deck components have now been removed, in addition to the stirrups and hangers. 
• Testing and inspection of the components is well underway to determine which can be restored through blasting and repainting, and which will need replacing.
• The chains are the next element to be removed and once completed, this will mark the end of our dismantling phase. 
• We have already begun blasting and repainting those components which are suitable to be reused and this work will continue until spring 2025.
• Anchorage works will begin in December and will also continue though until spring 2025 at which point the re-erection of the bridge will begin. 

October 2024

• Work is progressing well to remove the timber deck, which we are hoping to complete by the end of the month. 
• This will be followed by the removal of the supporting beams and hanging stirrups, before moving onto the hangers and rods.
• At this point, the bridge will be fully dismantled and the components will be moved to the secure workshop where they will be inspected and refurbished.

September 2024

• The cable crane is installed for use and is currently undergoing commissioning checks.
• Bridge dismantling is due to start, beginning with the removal of the timber deck road.
• Following the timber deck, the next stage will be to remove the wrought iron components from the bridge

June 2024

• We have received formal acknowledgment of our Bat Mitigation Licence from Natural England, which means we can start work on the north side of the bridge.
• Work has been carried out to test the newly installed anchors on the south side of the bridge. This initial work was needed so we can install a cable crane in July.
• We have installed ground anchors and foundations for the cable crane platform on the south side and will start on the north side.

April 2024

• We have been making progress where possible on works to the Whorlton Suspension Bridge. While we continue to work to obtain the Bat Mitigation Licence, scaffolding has been erected around the masonry towers, allowing us to inspect the saddle arrangements.
• Each capping stone and block has been carefully removed, inspected and catalogued, and will be stored in our secure storage site until it can be reinstated, at a later stage in the project.
• The next stage will see both scaffolds removed to allow for construction of the bridge catenary system. During the course of the project, the whole suspension and deck structure will be removed, refurbished and re-erected. Each element will be removed from site, and refurbished in our secure workshop.
• Racking and shelving is currently being installed, which will allow for the safe storage of each element.

March 2024

• A Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) was issued by the Environment Agency (EA) during February however this was caveated to allow only non-intrusive works on the north side (Toll House), all preparation works for the catenary system can progress on the south side. Our consultant ecologist has issued a bat method statement to EA this week, with a view to submitting the Bat Mitigation Licence application to Natural England later this month. Works are progressing, these include removal of the metal rail parapet, preparation works for the catenary system, installation of scaffolding around the towers to allow the tower tops to be removed and inspection of the saddles. Once the Bat Mitigation Licence is in place, we will be able to commence the installation of the catenary system. It is now anticipated that this installation will not commence until May 2024 which results in the overall project completion now Spring 2025. 
• The Environment Agency has granted a permit to the team for the first stage of the works, which has allowed the structure to be cleared of vegetation using specialist rope access techniques.
• This allows us to expose the supporting masonry abutments and wingwalls in order to undertake a detailed inspection. Once completed, a temporary catenary system will be installed to provide support to the existing BT cables below the deck. The installation of this system will also be undertaken utilising rope access.  
• The masonry towers are in process of being covered with debris netting, mitigating any potential delay by protecting against nesting birds. Once the utility diversions are completed, scaffolding will be installed, and part removal of the towers will begin.
• An onsite workshop is also currently being constructed, which will allow us to securely store, inspect and paint all bridge elements once they have been removed.

February 2024

• Completed site set up ready for works to commence,
• The team is now focusing on understanding the terms and conditions of 'Scheduled Monument Consent' from Historic England, to ensure works are being carried out in line with Historic England's parameters, as well as continuing with design works, collaborating with the Environment Agency, and procuring the materials needed for the project start.
• The team are in the process of installing the scaffolding to remove the BT cables from the side of the bridge.

December 2023 

• Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent is granted to allow works to begin on the bridge in January.
• The Teesdale Way footpath has been temporarily diverted while the bridge works are being carried out and a new access gate has been installed.
• A residents meeting took place in Whorlton Village Community Hall where residents were informed about the programme of works.

November 2023

• We have established a site compound.

September 2023

• We have signed the contract with VolkerLaser who are commissioned to carry out refurbishment works.