DISRUPTION to traffic is expected as work lasting 16 weeks has begun today, Monday, on Kirkby Malham bridge.

North Yorkshire County Council has commissioned the repairs and says it will make it possible for two wide vehicles to cross at the same time, which will be safer for road users coming down the bank who have poor visibility when turning on to the bridge.

The work will also protect the existing main water supply which at present is in the wheel track for vehicles and is prone to leaks which cause damage to the bridge arch stones.

During the work there will be road closures for the installation and dismantling of a temporary bridge at the start and end of the scheme, with two-way lights controlling traffic for the rest of the time.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for transport, Councillor Don Mackenzie, said: “A 12 metre long temporary bridge will be installed while the widening work takes place. It will make the bridge safer for road users, particularly those in wide vehicles. Information boards will display the full closure periods to alert the travelling public in advance and during those times a signed diversion will be in place.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause, but we hope it is acknowledged the benefits of widening the bridge outweigh the disruption in the long-term.’’