Northallerton bridge and bypass opens after years of delay

The bridge, which crosses the railway branch line to Middlesbrough between Stokesley Road and Darlington Road, was first given planning permission in 2015, with work beginning two years later.

With an original open date planned for Spring 2019, developers Taylor Wimpey were accused by a local councillor of "dragging their feet" earlier this year as the bridge remained unopened and motorists travelling from one side of the town to the other had to go through the Low Gates level crossing.

The project was hit by numerous delays, such as the electrification of the railway line, ground conditions and Covid-related work restrictions. There then followed delays on paperwork signing off on the bridge's safety from various bodies including the highway authority and Network Rail.

The new road by-passes the town centre and is part of the new Northallerton North Development Area which, when completed, will include a new school, retail and business units, and sport and recreational areas.

The congestion-busting by-pass bridge has finally opened after years of delays. (Image: The Northern Echo)

It has been delivered by Hambleton District Council in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, and financed by the housing developers Persimmon - and with a £6m grant from the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Leader of the District Council, Councillor Mark Robson said: “We are delighted to see this road and bridge finally open to traffic – it has been a long time in the making but we believe it is going deliver big economic and community benefits for Northallerton. It will relieve traffic pressure on the north side of the town and give easier access to businesses on the Darlington Road.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, added: “Today’s opening of the link road and bridge represents a huge step forward for Northallerton in terms of improving travel around town and reducing congestion.

The view from the bridge across the railway to Middlesbrough from Northallerton (Image: The Northern Echo)

“We have worked very closely with our partners to overcome a number of tricky hurdles in order to deliver this key piece of infrastructure. It is fantastic to see the bridge finally open to our residents."

North Moor House opened on the new development site last year - housing mental health services for children and young people, adults and older adults. It is home to mental health and learning disability services from the Friarage Hospital, Brompton House and Gibraltar House.

Dr Liz Herring, General Manager for the North Yorkshire and York Adult Mental Health Service at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The opening of the link road is an important development for North Moor House, making the centre so much more accessible for patients, carers and staff.

“It is an amazing facility for residents of Hambleton and Richmondshire and it is great news that the link road and other transport support will now become available.”

Dehenna Davison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Levelling Up) added: “I am pleased to see that the new link road and bridge in Northallerton is now open. As a Government, we are proud to have supported this project with £6m from the Local Growth Fund, awarded to York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

"By improving access to local businesses, new homes and the town, the new road and bridge supports the Government's commitment to Levelling Up, driving forward economic growth and improving the lives of people across the country.”