County Durham bridges in need of repair as council lists structures in poor condition

Several bridges in County Durham are in dire need of repair and significant investment due to structural damage. Durham County Council has identified nine structures that are most in need of funding due to their current conditions.

This comes as major works are underway to refurbish or demolish unsafe bridges in the region. The bridges include Harelaw Bridge, Frosterley, which suffered significant damage to the central pier following Storm Desmond and Storm Frank in 2015/16 (£2m); A68 Witton le Wear New Bridge, which requires pier protection due to significant scour of the riverbank (£2.2m) and Lambton Bridge, Chester-le-Street, which is in poor condition due to deck deterioration (£5m).

Other bridges on the list are Wolsingham Bridge (£2m), A167 Browney Bridge (£3.5m), A167 Croxdale Bridge (£2m), Baths Footbridge, Durham (£5m), and Kingsgate Footbridge, Durham (£5m). The council carries out routine inspections to monitor conditions and prioritise investment.

It noted that the budget estimates are "very high-level and for illustration purposes only until further feasibility work has been carried out".

The Whorlton Bridge, which was closed in 2019 after being deemed unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians, is set to be restored. The project, spearheaded by Durham County Council, received a financial boost from the government’s levelling up fund in 2021.

Once operational again, the bridge will provide a vital link between nearby villages and the A66 and A67. In another development, the former Leazes Footbridge in Durham City has been recently torn down due to safety concerns over its deteriorating condition.

Councillor John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for rural communities and highways, reaffirmed the council's commitment to maintaining and enhancing the network by investing in highways infrastructure during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

He stated: "Maintenance of highway structures is always challenging but we have introduced more systematic risk-based funding in this area. We have a number of significant projects underway including the A688 embankment and the historic Whorlton Bridge in Teesdale. ".

"The highway network represents one of the highest-maintained council assets. It’s used by everyone who lives, works, and visits our county. Its condition and sustainability remains a key priority for us. Investment made in recent years is now paying dividends. The condition of our network remains good in comparison locally and nationally. We have delivered on our promise to make a real difference across the county."

The Independent member also highlighted that the region’s road network is in better condition than neighbouring Northumberland and Cumbria.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, the cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, has highlighted the strengths of the highway network while also pointing out areas that require further investment. He stated: "This administration is committed to improve the condition of the network with a focus on unclassified roads, which were identified in previous plans as requiring attention. We have achieved this goal and made the improvements as promised. This is despite high inflation and spikes in prices."

He continued: "This council remains committed to improving the condition of our highways and structures. In the last few years we’ve invested more money than ever before in our highways, and I’m sure we will continue to do that. " He concluded by saying: "Having travelled to Lancashire, I can tell you it’s not just the two counties cllr Shuttleworth mentioned, we are streets ahead."

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