Dales bridge reopens after storm collapse rebuild

A historic bridge in the Yorkshire Dales which collapsed after a storm two years ago has re-opened after a £2.2m rebuild.

Fore Gill Bridge in Arkengarthdale partially collapsed on New Year's Eve 2023 in the wake of Storm Gerrit.

Originally constructed in 1770 the bridge provides a "key link" between Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Temporary works were carried out in January 2024, to ensure the route could remain open, before a permanent repair programme, which began in April 2025, could be completed.

North Yorkshire Council said around 1,500 tonnes of stone from the original bridge was used for the repairs to keep it in style with traditional bridges in the Yorkshire Dales area.

The new design uses reinforced walls and a masonry arch to add extra support to the its structure.

Ron Woolford, who lives near to the bridge, said: "When the bridge fell, we thought an earthquake had happened during the night, and it was no surprise when we saw the scale of the damage."

Commenting on the restoration he said he thought the new bridge "looks better than the original."

Councillor Yvonne Peacock said: "The rural nature of the Yorkshire Dales means that we regularly experience extreme weather.

"The collapse at Fore Gill Bridge could have been very disruptive, but the effort of the bridges team deserves recognition."

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