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04
Sept
Historic bridge near Masham closed after HGV collision
A historic bridge near Masham has been closed to traffic following a heavy goods vehicle collision.
The announcement comes just hours before the Tour of Britain men's race is due to pass by the area and will lead to diversions.
North Yorkshire Council said the bridge, which is grade-II listed and links Middleham and Leyburn, was struck by a HGV, which caused significant damage to its structure.
An inspection by council engineers identified severe damage to one of the decorative arches with large sections of masonry falling and being displaced due to the impact.
Damage to Middleham Bridge.
The damage was assessed today (September 4) and engineers have confirmed the bridge arch is too unstable for temporary repairs to be carried out to allow the road to reopen.
Cllr Carl Les, North Yorkshire Council’s leader, said:
The damaged arch has not only lost sections of stonework, but has also become displaced creating a significant structural risk.
Because of this, the listed bridge will remain closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists while a plan for repairs is developed.
Concrete barriers and fencing have been installed to secure the site and prevent access to the bridge to ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians.
We thank residents and motorists for their patience and understanding while this important safety work is carried out. Further updates will be provided as work progresses and more information becomes available.
While the bridge remains closed, motorists are advised to use the following diversion routes (or by these routes reversed):
- From the south towards Leyburn: A6108, B6268 and A684 (via Masham, Bedale and Leyburn)
- From the north towards Leyburn: A1 and A684 (A1, Bedale and Leyburn)
The closure comes ahead of the fourth stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race which is due to finish in Leyburn, near to Middleham, tomorrow (Saturday, September 5). The event will take place as planned, but spectators are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes.
Due to the rolling road closure while the cyclists make their way to Leyburn, motorists are advised to expect delays so that the race can be completed safely.
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