Emergency Calderdale bridge closure after crack found on archway

Following the significant infrastructure damage caused by Storm Ciara in February, Calderdale Council has continued safety inspections across the borough with diving surveys taking place on all affected bridges.

These surveys have now identified an issue with Rastrick Bridge in Brighouse, with a small hole under one of the central pillars and a crack to the bridge arch.

Whilst the damage causes no immediate safety concerns, the bridge will be shut from today to all vehicular traffic and will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The closure is in place as a precaution, to protect bridge users and prevent any further damage.

Further investigations will now take place and a programme of repairs will be organised as soon as possible.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Councillor Jane Scullion, said: “Storm Ciara caused millions of pounds worth of damage to infrastructure in Calderdale and although some damage was immediately apparent, in other cases we’re still discovering the full extent of the issues.

“Thorough investigation work continues to take place to ensure the safety of our roads and structures and it’s now clear that Rastrick Bridge will need to be closed

“We apologise for the inconvenience this closure may cause, particularly as we’re still in the process of making repairs to the flood damage on Elland Road, also in Brighouse.

“We’ll do all we can to repair the bridge as soon as possible and thank residents for their patience.”

Construction work is classed as an essential service throughout the COVID-19 lockdown period. Key repair and maintenance work on roads in Calderdale is continuing to go ahead where safe working procedures can be followed.

Contractors will be following strict government guidance while carrying out this work.

This includes maintaining a two metre distance between workers (or working in pairs if this isn’t feasible) and following strict hygiene regulations, such as regular hand washing.