A traffic-free initiative on Whitby’s historic swing bridge will restart this weekend to improve safety and support the town’s economy.
The trial closures introduced in April 2021 proved successful after traffic congestion during peak tourism periods sparked safety concerns.
The next phase of closures of Whitby Swing Bridge will begin this weekend and run until the end of August.
The bridge will be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 4pm daily during weekends in the school holidays as well as Bank Holidays and special events, with an exemption for buses.
Seven interactive messaging signs will be in place to direct visitors to the nearest available car park.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:
“The first weekend closure of the swing bridge will once again be introduced in time for the Easter school holidays and continue on weekends and bank holidays, when we expect Whitby to be particularly busy.
“To make sure it operates as efficiently as possible, we have interactive signs in place on the main approaches to the town.
“The scheme demonstrates our commitment to ensuring everybody who lives, works, and visits the town can do safely.”
As well as school and bank holidays, the traffic-free measure will be in place for Goth weekends on April 27 and 28, and November 2 and 3.
On Whitby regatta and folk weekend from August 17 to 19, the bridge will be closed until 6pm.
Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division on North Yorkshire Council, said:
“The bridge closures are essential in addressing safety concerns around overcrowding, as we expect visitor numbers to be at an all-time high for another year.
“Whilst this measure will undoubtedly be seen as an inconvenience by some, I am sure that residents, local businesses and visitors, will understand the need for a traffic-free zone at peak times in the interests of safety.”
The current swing bridge, which spans 75ft, was built in 1908. It links the upper and lower harbour areas and the east and west sides of the town.
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