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Historic bridge dismantled ahead of rebuild

Durham County Council Whorlton Bridge. The components have been removed from the bridge. A network of cables stretches over a river in its place. To the right, the bridge's remaining stonework can be seen on the river bank. There is scaffolding on top of it.Durham County Council
Whorlton Bridge has been fully dismantled and is set to be restored next year

A historic bridge has been dismantled ahead of work to restore it to its former glory.

Whorlton Bridge in County Durham has been taken apart piece by piece so its components can undergo testing before it is rebuilt.

The 193-year-old structure is the UK's oldest road suspension bridge and is known for its original iron chains which support its deck.

Councillor John Shuttleworth, of Durham County Council, said restoring the Grade II listed bridge was an "incredibly intricate operation".

"As a designated historic monument, it is essential the bridge is reconstructed to its original specifications," he said.

"This means we are striving to reuse as many of the original components as possible and are treating every piece with great care."

Richard Laidler Whorlton Bridge before it was dismantled. Iron chains hold the timber supporting deck in place across the river.Richard Laidler
Whorlton Bridge is the UK's oldest road suspension bridge

After being tested, each of the bridge's parts will be shotblasted - a process of cleaning or stripping - before being repainted.

A cable crane was used beneath the bridge to allow the team to move securely from one side to the other while working on the structure.

It is expected to be reconstructed in the first half of 2025.

Shuttleworth said: "This delicate operation involved over two years of engineering design to avoid damaging the structure.

"To have it now fully removed is a significant step in this important project and we're pleased to move on to the next stage."

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