Rastrick Bridge has reopened to traffic today (Thursday 2 July), ahead of schedule.
The bridge in Brighouse was badly affected by Storm Ciara in February. It has been closed to vehicles since late April, after diving surveys found holes under one of the central pillars and cracks in one of the bridge arches.
Calderdale Council’s scheme of complex repairs began last week. The first stage involved working from a raft positioned under the bridge to pump concrete support into the holes.
The second phase saw the installation of boulders around the bridge to add further protection. Despite the recent heavy rainfall, all of these works are now complete, meaning the road can reopen to vehicles. It was originally scheduled to reopen in mid-July.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“I’m really pleased that Rastrick Bridge is reopening earlier than we anticipated. I know this will be welcomed by those who travel in the area, and we thank them for their patience whilst the road has been closed.
“The damage caused to the bridge by Storm Ciara was extensive and required careful, specialist work. Council and contractor teams made remarkable progress on the repairs in some very challenging weather conditions and despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are confident that the works will make the bridge stronger and more resilient to any future flooding.”