WORK will begin this month on the repairs of an ancient flood-damaged bridge in Loftus.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Northumbrian Water will be undertaking work on the reconstruction of Gaskell Lane Bridge after the council secured ownership of the bridge in October 2015.
The arched stone bridge has only been passable to pedestrians since a devastating storm in September 2013, but the restoration of the bridge means that a road connection will be re-established.
The council works will begin on Monday 16 November to rebuild the bridge over Loftus Beck, which was damaged by the floods. Contractors for Northumbrian Water are then scheduled to start the sewer diversion work in January. The council will then complete the rebuilding of the bridge to its original form using the existing stone.
Work is expected to be completed in June 2016. The council has appointed contractor Foden Spence Construction and Northumbrian Water has appointed contractor Seymour Civil Engineering to carry out their works.
Cllr Helen McLuckie, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said:
“I am delighted we are making significant progress in repairing the bridge and to re-establish a proper road connection for the residents of Gaskell Lane.
“We have worked closely with residents, local MP Tom Blenkinsop and local councillors since the closure, and will continue to work in partnership with Northumbrian Water until the bridge is secure.”
Richard Warneford, Northumbrian Water’s Wastewater Director, said: “This is great news for the residents who have had two years of worry and inconvenience while solutions to the problem were studied, planned and assessed.
“We now have a partnership solution which will see the bridge rebuilt and secured for the future. It will also protect our sewer pipes and the environment and help prevent future flooding in the area.”