Animation shows how bridge will be repaired

A BRIDGE which has been out of use since being badly damaged in late December, when parts of Yorkshire were ravaged by floods will be open to the public again by next summer.

Council bosses say Linton Bridge, between Linton and Collingham, north of Leeds, will undergo repairs costing £4.5m.

A video released by Leeds City Council shows the work which has already started to put in place a support system which will make the bridge safe for the permanent repairs.

As shown in the animation, a complex temporary arch support system is now being installed.

This phase is expected to be completed by the end of October and will allow engineers to carry out the permanent repairs safely.

The permanent repairs will involve the use of concrete piles and slabs being installed within the bridge to restore the bridge to the structural strength needed to accommodate vehicles and pedestrians again.

The final phase will see the damaged arches repaired, the parapets rebuilt and the footway and carriageway reconstructed.

The Grade II-listed structure, which carries traffic between Linton and Collingham over the River Wharfe, has been closed since December 27 after suffering significant damage to its foundations.

Last month Leeds City Council approved spending of up to £4.5m on repairs, to be carried out with support of Historic England, to retain the bridge’s original appearance.

The bridge remains closed, but a free temporary shuttle bus service has now been enhanced.