Weight restrictions to stay on troubled bridge
INCREASED weight restrictions on Whitby’s historic swing bridge are being enforced permanently to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes last summer when the 102-year-old crossing broke down.
North Yorkshire County Council announced yesterday that the 7.5-tonne loading restriction is being made permanent to reduce the amount of heavy traffic on the bridge.
It previously had a 17-tonne limit, although the revised restrictions have been trialled since the end of last year. The new limit only allows access for lighter goods vehicles, and operators of buses and coaches have had to make alternative route arrangements.
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Hide AdA structural assessment of the bridge has been carried out and deemed the new limit is essential, according to the council.
The bridge broke down three times in two months last summer – once it was left stuck open for nine days because of a mechanical problem.