Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, cuts the ribbon with Wycliffe resident Jo Harper and Whorlton resident George Statsny.
An historic and iconic bridge has reopened following the completion of a major restoration programme.
The works to Whorlton Bridge in Barnard Castle, which have been undertaken by Durham County Council, will help preserve the structure for generations to come.
The Grade II* listed bridge, which spans the River Tees and links the village to surrounding communities, has been the subject of a complex programme of specialist engineering, conservation and construction works.
First, the bridge was carefully dismantled, with around 1,800 individual components inspected and tested. New foundations were then constructed at the both the north and south ends of the bridge to anchor the structure, and original elements were repaired and refurbished wherever possible.
Replacement components were also created where necessary, before the structure was painstakingly reassembled. The final phase of works included the installation of chains, structural rods, decking, protective barriers and repairs to the masonry.
Barnard Castle Band accompanies the opening of Whorlton Bridge.
Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to have completed the restoration of Whorlton Bridge. This has been a complex and extensive programme of works to preserve an iconic landmark, which can now be used by generations to come.
“We’d like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and cooperation throughout the project. We’re excited to see the bridge back in use and enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and visitors.”
Tom Frater, Historic England’s regional director for the North, said: “As Whorlton Bridge approaches 200 years of service, it is wonderful to see this iconic crossing restored and connecting communities across the River Tees again.
“The bridge is a rare and nationally important example of early suspension bridge design and the last wrought iron chain suspension bridge in England to retain and use its original chains.
“By working closely with the council throughout the project, Historic England has helped safeguard its historic character while ensuring it can continue to be used and enjoyed by local people and visitors for years to come”
Whorlton Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United Kingdom and is recognised as a structure of national historic significance. To mark the reopening, representatives from the council, Historic England and specialist contractor VolkerLaser, alongside residents of Whorlton Village attended a special ceremony.
During the event, musicians Rosie Bradford and Sam Slatcher performed a bespoke folk song celebrating the bridge and its history. The performance was followed by music from Barnard Castle Band, which also played when the bridge first opened in 1831.
The restoration has also been documented on film, capturing the scale and complexity of the project. Clips from this were shown to residents at Whorlton Village Hall, while the full documentary will be available to view at www.durham.gov.uk/whorltonbridge.
The project has been partly funded by the UK Government and the council.
