Bridge reopens to light vehicles

Sutton Bridge, which links Elvington in North Yorkshire and Sutton on Derwent in the East Riding, was closed last month after being damaged.

But the closure caused major problems for local businesses, as they have seen a slump in passing trade. Over the weekend, workers were installing a temporary barrier and speed humps to allow light traffic and pedestrians to cross, but HGVs still face diversions. Further work is planned to restore the bridge more fully and East Riding Council says it hopes to keep disruption to a minimum.

The bridge was closed on January 8 after a vehicle hit the wall and damaged the stonework.

Originally, Council officials thought that the bridge would remain closed until Easter because, as a listed structure, getting the necessary planning permission and finding appropriate materials could take time.