Experimental works to help prevent Whitby Swing Bridge getting stuck are set to be trialled before the end of summer.
Over recent weeks the bridge has failed during hotter temperatures and on occasions has seen the fire service called to cool the road surface on the bridge with water jets.
Engineers say the issue is being caused by the black road surface absorbing thermal energy in hot and sunny weather, which is leading to thermal build up and expansion.
It then means the swinging spans are interfering with each other and the edges of each section of the bridge when it opens and closes.
Engineers are going to trial using a light coloured surfacing, which will reflect the sun’s rays, helping to reduce the thermal build-up in the bridge and reduce the expansion.
It is planned to split the project into two phases – proof of concept, then full resurfacing.
In the first phase, North Yorkshire Council says it hopes to lay a light high friction surfacing on the bridge before the end of summer, and if it is successful in reducing thermal expansion, will carry out full resurfacing in the next couple of years.
Coun Neil Swannick, representing the Whitby Streonshalh division which includes the harbour on NYC said: “I recognise that closures of the swing bridge can be very frustrating for residents, traders and tourists alike, but North Yorkshire Council will always try to get the bridge working again as quickly as possible.
“We are up against problems inherent in keeping a 115 year-old bridge working in times when climate change is creating extreme conditions, which were not anticipated when the bridge was built.
“I am hopeful that the plan to cover the black tarmac with a light coloured high-friction surfacing this summer will at least reduce the number of mechanical problems and that, if this plan works, the job can be completed out of season.”
He added the issue was not unique to Whitby Swing Bridge and owners of many other swing bridges are finding similar problems occurring frequently.
