Work set to begin to stabilise flood-damaged Linton Bridge

Work is due to begin next week to stabilise Linton Bridge which has been closed since being damaged by the Christmas floods.

The bridge which carries traffic between Linton and Collingham was closed on December 27 when flooding of the River Wharfe caused damage to the foundations, rendering it unsafe.

Now contractors managed by Leeds City Council will be on site in the field adjacent to Linton Road to create a temporary road to allow access for heavy machinery to be brought in which will be used to stabilise the structure.

Engineers have already carried out initial examinations of the bridge, with an expectation that it is likely to remain closed for several months. A more thorough assessment will be able to be carried out once the structure has been stabilised and secured.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said:

“Now the river levels have dropped we can get on and bring in the machinery we need to stabilise Linton Bridge and get a full assessment of the flood damage carried out.

“We’d like to thank the landowner for their co-operation in allowing us to create this temporary road in the field next to the bridge so we can bring the machinery we need in. We’ll know much more once the structure has been stabilised and assessed, and continue to look at all options for reducing the impact of the bridge being closed.”

Since the closure a temporary shuttle bus service has been in operation provided by Harrogate Coach Travel through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The shuttle service runs hourly between Linton (opposite the Windmill Inn) bus stop 14885 and Wetherby bus terminus from Monday to Saturday until further notice. It leaves Linton at 0920 and hourly until 1620, returning from Wetherby at 0940 and hourly until 1640.

School bus arrangements have also been altered as can be seen at http://www.generationm.co.uk/News/TravelDisruptionPage/

All residents or businesses directly affected by the effects of Storm Eva can find details of financial support and other guidance at www.leeds.gov.uk/council/Pages/Flooding.aspx, by calling 0113 222 4444 or emailing floodrelief@leeds.gov.uk

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Roger Boyde,

Leeds City Council communications,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk