News-Whorlton Bridge to be lovingly restored piece-by-piece

We are carrying out work to restore Whorlton Bridge to its former glory, following our successful bid to the government's Levelling Up Fund.

Whorlton Bridge formally opened one hundred and ninety three years ago, in July 1831. The bridge is a nationally important archaeological site, given its classification as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England.

Preparatory works ahead of its restoration are now complete and we are ready to begin the process of dismantling the bridge.

The team will record around 1,800 components before inspecting, 'shot blasting' - which is cleaning or stripping, testing and repainting.

Given the bridge's status, the existing colour will be used in the repainting and we are using samples of the original paintwork to make sure this happens.

The components will then be returned to their original position on the bridge, ensuring wherever possible, that original materials are reused.

Cllr John Shuttleworth, our Cabinet member for highways, said: "Whorlton Bridge is almost two hundred years old, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and therefore a very important part of our history and heritage.

"It is only right that we treat the bridge with the respect it deserves and therefore a lot of work has gone into preparations to ensure that the restoration project returns the bridge to its former glory.

Whorlton Bridge video transcript (PDF) [78KB]

"We are delighted to be in a position to begin the complex process of removing the 1,800 components on the bridge and ensuring as much of the structure as is physically possible can be retained and given a new lease of life."

The bridge remains on course to open to the public next year.

In the meantime, it will remain closed to all traffic, including walkers and cyclists, with diversions in place throughout the duration of the works.

Cllr Shuttleworth added: "We would like to thank local residents and the travelling public for their patience and understanding whilst the works continue."