Wark bridge repairs facing delay

Jul 5 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

AN UPGRADE of a run-down bridge is unlikely to happen in the next four years - leaving residents with a possible diversion headache.

The bridge at Wark, near Hexham, Northumberland, could be temporarily closed to traffic if its condition worsens before funding is available for its refurbishment.

The bridge over the River Tyne provides a vital link for local businesses, farmers and school children, as well as the village’s recently-renovated sports club.

In recent years, Northumberland County Council has introduced a three-tonne weight restriction on the structure due to its decaying state, despite residents’ protests.

The Journal has previously reported how villagers have demanded the bridge be subject to major repairs, amid fears that its condition could see it pedestrianised.

If the bridge were to close to traffic, the only alternative route would be a 16-mile-round trip via Chollerford or Bellingham.

In April, following rumours that the bridge was to be pedestrianised, a petition was handed in to the county council demanding urgent action over the bridge, which over 1,200 people had signed.

A group on social networking website Facebook, entitled Save Wark Bridge, has also pulled in over 700 members.

Now, the county council has produced a response to the petition, which is to be presented to a meeting of its West area committee on Thursday night.

The report states that a refurbishment with the current weight and height restrictions is the “only financially viable” solution, with extensive steelwork repairs to corroded sections and a complete re-painting of the structure.

But it claims Wark currently has a low priority on the council’s bridge strengthening programme because it has an “effective” weight restriction and is therefore considered to be “satisfactory” in terms of safety.