Harbour swing bridge to close for tourist peak

Image source, 大象传媒/Oli Constable

Image caption, The bridge will close to traffic every weekend during school holidays as well as on bank holidays
  • Author, Katharine Wootton
  • Role, 大象传媒 News

Whitby's historic swing bridge is to close to traffic as the tourist season begins.

The town first trialled closing the bridge to traffic in April 2021 after safety concerns about congestion during the busiest periods of the year.

The bridge will close to traffic, except buses, between 10:30 and 16:00 every weekend during school holidays as well as on bank holidays.

The closures will begin on Saturday and run until the end of August.

Built in 1908, the bridge, which spans 75ft (23m), links the upper and lower harbour areas and the east and west sides of the town.

During the closures, interactive messaging signs will be in place to direct visitors to the nearest available car park.

As well as school and bank holidays, the traffic-free measures will be in place for Goth weekends on 27-28 April, and 2-3 November.

The bridge will close until 18:00 on 17-18 August, to coincide with the town's Regatta and Folk events.

Councillor Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division on North Yorkshire Council, said: 鈥淭he bridge closures are essential in addressing safety concerns around overcrowding, as we expect visitor numbers to be at an all-time high for another year.

鈥淲hilst this measure will undoubtedly be seen as an inconvenience by some, I am sure that residents, local businesses and visitors, will understand the need for a traffic-free zone at peak times in the interests of safety.鈥

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