York's Lendal Bridge set to close for two months

Lendal Bridge will remain open for pedestrians during the work

A major bridge in York city centre is set to close for two months for "urgent" repair works.

Lendal Bridge, which spans the River Ouse between Station Road and Museum Street, will be closed to vehicles from April, with the crossing remaining open to pedestrians.

The work, costing £1.9m, aims to address "significant corrosion and deterioration" on the Grade II listed Victorian cast iron bridge.

City of York Council said it would work to minimise the disruption caused by the closure, with a final decision on the move set to be made on 21 October.

Non-essential works worth £1.3m could begin at the same time and last for almost nine months, the local authority said, but would only require the closure of a single footway.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a report stated the council aimed to protect the bridge's long-term load capacity, eliminate the need for frequent emergency repairs and reduce the risk of more costly works in future.

"Lendal Bridge has significant corrosion and deterioration, including life-expired surfacing and failed waterproofing," the report said.

"Extensive studies concluded that closure to vehicle and cycle traffic while maintaining pedestrian access with 24/7 working is the most efficient delivery model.

"This approach minimises disruption and ensures the highest quality finish."

A report warns the bridge could need weight restrictions in the future without the repair work

The proposed essential works would see the bridge, opened in 1863, re-waterproofed along with repairs to metalwork and road resurfacing.

The additional non-essential works would see all of the bridge's metalwork repainted, including its decorative features.

Lendal Bridge could deteriorate further without the work, the report said, potentially leading to the need for weight restrictions on the crossing.

Kate Ravilious, the council's executive member for transport, said: "Lendal Bridge is a very well used route at the heart of our city centre and is in need of essential repairs.

"Getting Lendal Bridge fixed will safeguard this important link for decades to come."

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