Decision details

To award a contract to Wilf Noble Construction Ltd for provision of temporary pedestrian access at Grosmont Suspension Footbridge. Initial costs are expected to be around £88,000 for a 2-year hire. Ongoing hire and inspection fees mean final costs are uncertain.

To reinstate access as quickly as possible at Grosmont following the sudden closure of the suspension footbridge. The bridge was closed after a Principal Inspection showed that safety critical components are in a poor condition.

Purchase and installation of a 20m kit footbridge was considered as an alternative. This would have had higher upfront costs but a lower cost over the expected 2-3year hire period for the temporary bridge. This option was rejected as it would take 4-5 weeks to have a bridge manufactured and delivered to site. There are also significant logistical challenges with getting a bridge this length delivered to site and installed.