Decision details

To start strengthening works to Newton Grange Canal Bridge prior to gaining Listed Building Consent. The bridge is owned by the Canal and River Trust and they have consented to works being carried out

The bridge has recently deteriorated significantly, with visible movement of arch stones under load. Interim measures have been put in place to avoid direct load transfer to the arch, but this creates issues with maintaining vehicular access for larger vehicles. The interim measures have also put a water main at increased risk of damage by vehicular damage, which would not normally be driven over.

Discussions have taken place with the North Yorkshire Council conservation officers, around repairs and reasoning. There are concerns with using concrete and stainless ties, but this is something which has been done successfully on many bridges, with concrete being used on stone arches for over 100 years in North Yorkshire.

Delaying the works is an option, but the longer the structure is left in its current condition the more potential there is of either significant damage to the watermain or to the bridge itself which may result in a more extensive closure and repair being required. This would be more problematic at this location as the road is a dead end on the highway network, with some properties not having another vehicular route to their premises.

Other repair options have been considered, but all would either be less effective or more intrusive on the listed structure.

An alternative crossing could be provided, but this would require a significant amount of land take a far high higher cost and considerably longer to deliver.