Decision

To start strengthening works to Newton Grange
Canal Bridge prior to gaining Listed Building Consent. The bridge
is owned by the Canal and River Trust and they have consented to
works being carried out

Reasons for the decision

The bridge has recently deteriorated
significantly, with visible movement of arch stones under load.
Interim measures have been put in place to avoid direct load
transfer to the arch, but this creates issues with maintaining
vehicular access for larger vehicles. The interim measures have
also put a water main at increased risk of damage by vehicular
damage, which would not normally be driven over.

Discussions have taken place with the North Yorkshire Council
conservation officers, around repairs and reasoning. There are
concerns with using concrete and stainless ties, but this is
something which has been done successfully on many bridges, with
concrete being used on stone arches for over 100 years in North
Yorkshire.

Alternative options considered

Delaying the works is an option, but the
longer the structure is left in its current condition the more
potential there is of either significant damage to the watermain or
to the bridge itself which may result in a more extensive closure
and repair being required. This would be more problematic at this
location as the road is a dead end on the highway network, with
some properties not having another vehicular route to their
premises.

Other repair options have been considered, but all would either be
less effective or more intrusive on the listed structure.

An alternative crossing could be provided, but this would require a
significant amount of land take a far high higher cost and
considerably longer to deliver.