A historic suspension bridge in north east England that has been closed since 2020 is undergoing a full component-by-component restoration.
Whorlton Bridge is an iron-chained suspension bridge with twin battered masonry pylons at each end. Its 52m span carries a road at a height of 9.1m over the River Tees near Barnard Castle in County Durham.
Damage to the bridge in 2019 prompted an inspection by Durham County Council. This found failings in the main chains and link pins under loading. It was closed to traffic and pedestrians in 2020. The restoration project was launched shortly after.
Contractor VolkerLaser will dismantle the 1,800 bridge components for inspection and shotblasting, testing and repainting in colours that match the original. Whorlton Bridge will open to the public again in 2025.
In 2004, a restoration of the bridge was recognised with an award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (link opens in new tab).
