Temporary bridge to cut off homes in Wolsingham should be in place by next week

More than 100 residents are currently unable to drive to or from their homes after a bridge collapsed in Wolsingham, County Durham, on Saturday morning.

Pedestrians can still cross the bridge over Thornhope Beck but no vehicles can pass.

Durham County Council has been working with the emergency services and private contractors to come up with a solution and it is now hoped that a temporary bridge will be in place at the beginning of next week.

The structure would be laid across the semi-collapsed stone bridge, which was damaged by debris and flooding caused by the heavy rain on Saturday morning.

The temporary surface could then be lifted to one side to create another crossing which would enable repairs to be carried out on the original bridge, subject to agreement with local landowners.

The council had looked at improving a farm track to the north of Tunstall Reservoir but decided it would be too impractical.

Adrian White, head of transport at the council, said: “It was vital to look properly at all options but it has quickly become apparent that upgrading the access track across private land to the north would be a very significant project taking weeks.”

Land surveys will be conducted over the rest of the week with the bridge expected to be delivered at the weekend.

It should then be operational by the start of the week for cars and open to heavy goods vehicles 24 hours thereafter.

John Reed, head of technical services at the council, said: “I am sure the news that we have sourced a temporary structure capable of serving the needs of both local people and businesses so quickly will be most welcome.

“We will install it as soon as possible so that normal daily life can resume in this dales community.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and assistance and to say that, subject to the agreement of local landlords, I would hope to see repairs start on the stone bridge as soon as possible.”