Uk’S Earliest Chain Link Bridge Now Fully Dismantled In Major Milestone For Restoration

Repairs to Whorlton Bridge in County Durham have reached a significant stage as all its components have been carefully dismantled, marking a vital step in restoration efforts.

The bridge, which has been closed since December 2020 due to extensive damage, is being refurbished piece by piece as part of an initiative led by Durham County Council in collaboration with Historic England and the Environment Agency.

Originally opened in 1831, Whorlton Bridge is recognised as a Grade II* listed structure and is notable for being the UK’s oldest surviving iron chained suspension bridge. It was historically important for facilitating the transport of coal from Durham’s coal fields, catering to horses and carts. The bridge’s unique design features twin battered masonry pylons on either end, but it has been rendered unsafe for public use, with a weight limit of just 3t implemented as early as 1914.

A detailed inspection in 2019 revealed significant deterioration of the bridge’s hangers, leading to its closure to all vehicle traffic. Subsequent assessments showed that the structure was at risk of collapse, prompting an immediate halt to pedestrian access as well.

As of November of this year, the council has reported substantial progress in the dismantling process. The timber deck, alongside various under-deck components, stirrups and hangers have all been removed. Currently, the individual components are undergoing testing to determine their condition; those deemed suitable will be blasted and repainted, while others may need to be replaced entirely.

This refurbishment project is expected to continue until spring 2025, with the re-erection of the bridge set to follow. Additionally, work on the anchorage system has commenced this month. The final phases of the project include the removal of the catenary cable system and restoring the surrounding site to its original condition, both anticipated to take place in summer 2025.

The project has been made possible through funding acquired from the Levelling Up Fund in 2021, highlighting ongoing efforts to preserve and restore historical structures within the region.

Durham County Council cabinet member for highways, rural communities, and community safety John Shuttleworth said: “Restoring Whorlton Bridge is an incredibly intricate operation. As a designated historic monument, it is essential that the bridge is reconstructed to its original specifications. This means we are striving to reuse as many of the original components as possible and are treating every piece with great care.

“To ensure a safe dismantling process, we used a cable crane beneath the bridge, allowing our team to move securely from one side to the other while performing necessary work. This delicate operation involved over two years of engineering design to avoid damaging the structure. To have it now fully removed is a significant step in this important project and we’re pleased to move on to the next stage.”

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