Historic bridge re-opens after work on 18th century structure is completed

The Stamford Bridge in East Yorkshire is back in action after contractor Esh Construction completed work to repair and restore the structure ahead of programme.

The single-track bridge on the A166 between Driffield and York reopened today – 12 July – two weeks earlier than scheduled.

Built in 1727 – making it almost 300 years old – the 80m-long bridge over the River Derwent had been struck in several traffic accidents in recent years, causing severe damage to its stone parapets, with East Riding of Yorkshire Council investing £350,000 in repairing the Grade II listed structure.

Esh’s civil engineering division was awarded the contract through YORHub’s YORcivil2 Framework.

Steven Garrigan, divisional director at Esh Construction, said: “We understood the importance of completing the essential repairs as quickly as possible from the outset owing to the significant impact on the local community.

“Working collaboratively with our client, the site team and sub-contractors, we have been able to complete the works and reopen the bridge two weeks ahead of schedule.

“This marks the second project we have completed ahead of programme through collaboration with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, having completed the emergency repair and strengthening of Bubwith bridge last year.”

Due to the age and listed status of the bridge, the repairs needed to be sympathetic to the existing structure.

Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “I’m extremely pleased Esh Construction have been able to complete this work and reopen the bridge much earlier than planned.

“We know the closure has caused a big inconvenience to many people, but we had no option, we simply couldn’t carry out these repairs without doing it. Thank you for bearing with us.

“This has been a major investment for the village and our contractors have done a fantastic job in returning the bridge back to its former glory and making it structurally sound for the future.”