Several County Durham bridges require repairs and significant investment due to damage and structural issues. 

Durham County Council has revealed the nine structures most in need of funding due to their current conditions.

The latest list comes amid major works to refurbish or demolish unsafe bridges in the region. 

Baths Bridge in Durham City is one of several needing repairs Baths Bridge in Durham City is one of several needing repairs (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

  • Harelaw Bridge, Frosterley - significant damage to the central pier following Storm Desmond and Storm Frank in 2015/16, structure remains open - £2m 
  • A68 Witton le Wear New Bridge - Phase 1: pier protection required following significant scour of the riverbank - £2.2m. Phase 2: deterioration of concrete deck, bridge remains open 
  • Lambton Bridge, Chester-le-Street - Structure in poor condition due to deck deterioration, remains open - £5m 
  • Wolsingham Bridge - Structure requires major refurbishment scheme, remains open - £2m 
  • A167 Browney Bridge - deterioration of steel deck, bridge remains open - £3.5m
  • A167 Croxdale Bridge - deterioration of steel deck, bridge remains open - £2m 
  • Baths Footbridge, Durham - Deck and abutment failure, restrictions in place but remains open - £5m 
  • Kingsgate Footbridge, Durham - Grade 1-listed concrete footbridge that requires major refurbishment, remains open - £5m 

Routine inspections are undertaken to monitor conditions and prioritise investment. The local authority said budget estimates are “very high-level and for illustration purposes only until further feasibility work has been carried out”. 

A view of the north end of the cable crane installation at Whorlton BridgeA view of the north end of the cable crane installation at Whorlton Bridge (Image: Richard Laidler)

Whorlton Bridge, near Barnard Castle, closed in 2019 after an assessment found it was unsafe for vehicles or pedestrians. The restoration scheme, led by Durham County Council, received funding from the government’s levelling up fund in 2021. Once reopened, it will link nearby villages to the A66 and A67. 

In Durham City, the former Leazes Footbridge was recently demolished following concerns over its condition after being deemed unsafe for pedestrians. 

Councillor John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for rural communities and highways, said the council has continued its commitment to maintaining and improving the network by investing in highways infrastructure. 

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (November 13), he said: “Maintenance of highway structures is always challenging but we have introduced more systematic risk-based funding in this area. We have a number of significant projects underway including the A688 embankment and the historic Whorlton Bridge in Teesdale. 

“The highway network represents one of the highest-maintained council assets. It’s used by everyone who lives, works, and visits our county. It’s condition and sustainability remains a key priority for us. Investment made in recent years is now paying dividends. The condition of our network remains good in comparison locally and nationally. We have delivered on our promise to make a real difference across the county.”

The Independent member said the region’s road network is in better condition than neighbouring Northumberland and Cumbria.

“We’re not complacent and work continues to ensure the county receives as much funding as possible for the highway network,” he added. 

Councillor Mark Wilkes said the latest report exposes the strengths of the highway network but also areas in need of further investment. 

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The cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, added: “This administration is committed to improve the condition of the network with a focus on unclassified roads, which were identified in previous plans as requiring attention. We have achieved this goal and made the improvements as promised. This is despite high inflation and spikes in prices.

“This council remains committed to improving the condition of our highways and structures. In the last few years we’ve invested more money than ever before in our highways, and I’m sure we will continue to do that. 

“Having travelled to Lancashire, I can tell you it’s not just the two counties Cllr Shuttleworth mentioned, we are streets ahead.”