Despite a recent bus crash forcing the closure of the Barnard’s Road bridge into Grosmont, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) station, village and all of its businesses are operating as usual. Grosmont remains fully accessible by road via the A169, and by train, with NYMR services running as per its timetable.
The North York Moors National Park Authority has been working with North Yorkshire Council (NYC) to reopen the bridge following the accident on August 3.
The bridge is an 18th Century grade II listed structure maintained by NYC. Due to its special status, careful restoration and re-building work needs to be undertaken after the accident demolished the stone parapet wall.
With the winter months approaching and a 16-mile diversion proposed, negotiations have taken place between the National Park Authority’s Planning Department and North Yorkshire Council’s Highways and Transportation Department for a semi-permanent breeze block parapet wall to be built. This will allow the bridge to reopen much quicker (the estimated time being in the next two months) with proper stone restoration work done spring 2025.
Annabel Longfield-Reeve, Senior Heritage and Conservation Officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “This three-arch sandstone bridge spans the River Esk and dates from around 1700. It’s an important historic feature of Grosmont and indeed the wider National Park, but principally it serves as an essential transport link for local communities of the Esk Valley.
“For this reason, the priority is to ensure the bridge is once again made safe for vehicles and pedestrians, with proper restoration by skilled stonemasons taking place at a later point.”
Laura Strangeway, CEO of NYMR, said “The recent bus crash was a shock to everyone who works and lives in Grosmont, but we’re relieved no one was seriously hurt, and that the village remains very much open to visitors.
“Whether you are here for a scenic train journey, a delightful meal on our much-loved Pullman Dining services, or to explore the village’s shops, rest assured that we are open and ready to make your visit special.”
For more information about services and updates, please visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website at www.nymr.co.uk
