Highway operatives working in temperatures as low as -8˚C to minimise the delays in the reopening of a flood-hit bridge in the Yorkshire Dales have been recognised by North Yorkshire Council.

Cogden South bridge, on the C106 near Grinton Moor, was one of two bridges destroyed by catastrophic flooding in 2019. Dependant on the weather it will be open within weeks.

On occasions highways teams heading to site have been forced to turn back due to the roads being impassable. A combination of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures has made the only access route to the site unsafe despite gritting efforts.

County Councillor Yvonne Peacock, member for the Upper Dales, said: “On behalf of the Dales communities I would like to say a huge thank you to the dedicated teams who have been working in the extreme weather to try and keep delays to a minimum.

“Although the reopening of Cogden South is highly-anticipated the safety of everybody on site is the priority. If the weather holds up it is only a matter of weeks before we can celebrate the official reopening.”

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, added: “It’s important to recognise the tireless work of the teams who have battled the elements over the last few months to ensure the bridge will reopen as soon as possible.

“We are in the final stages of the project with the new bridge in place. The boundary walls are left to rebuild as well as the resurfacing of the road. We will be providing updates over the coming weeks and once again remind the public that under no circumstances should they move the safety fencing in order to attempt to cross the bridge