Building bridges for Leeds community

The grade II-listed Linton Bridge over the River Wharfe between Linton and Collingham was opened at the weekend for the first time since it was closed as a result of significant damage to its foundations caused by the impact of Storm Eva.

Working with Historic England and the Environment Agency, Leeds City Council and contractors BMMjv and A E Yates developed and carried out an intricate programme to support, repair and strengthen the bridge while retaining its original appearance.

The estimated repair cost of £4.95m, was fully funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

During repair works the team effectively created ‘a bridge within a bridge’ reinforced with concrete slabs.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake said: “Linton Bridge in many ways is a symbol of how Leeds as a city responded to the unprecedented flooding caused by Storm Eva.

“Our residents, communities and partners showed remarkable resilience and togetherness, and through pulling together solutions have been identified and repairs undertaken.

“It is a great credit to everyone involved that this project has successfully been carried out, and we are delighted that the communities of Linton and Collingham can now be fully reunited.”

Transport Minister Paul Maynard said: “It’s great to see the communities of Linton and Collingham re-joined by the historic bridge, reuniting people with family and friends as well as businesses with customers.”

Linton Bridge was built in the early to mid-19th century.