Bridge funding decision due this autumn

The decision over whether the government will be prepared to fund the rebuilding of Selby Toll Bridge is expected this autumn, The Selebian understands.

North Yorkshire Council has asked the Department for Transport for £89.3 million towards a scheme that would see the Old Toll Bridge replaced and a series of repairs to the A63 bypass bridge undertaken. The cost is nearly three times original estimates – the new total standing at over £92 million.

As it stands, both bridges are in a dire state of repair.

The bypass bridge has been subject to an ongoing 20mph speed limit since May when safety issues were identified as a result of 'detached steel plates' and defective deck. This is on top of the 'significant corrosion' issues with the hydraulics and control systems that have prevented the bridge from being able to swing open for river traffic since 2022.

But Selby's old toll bridge is now said to be in an even worse state as a result of being struck by a passing boat. The most recent damage now necessitates for all road traffic be suspended over the bridge every single time river traffic passes beneath until urgent repairs have been undertaken.

It is estimated that the interim safety measures would mean around 1,250 stoppages per year with the knock on effect of lengthy queues and congestion through the town on a regular basis.

Wilfred Heppell | The Selebian

Selby Toll Bridge under construction in 1969.

Originally privately owned and operated as a toll bridge, the current timber-built bridge was constructed in 1969 when it replaced an earlier timber crossing. It was purchased by the county in 1991 who discontinued the collection of tolls, ending the so-called 'bottleneck of the north' caused as queued to pay the 7p (roughly 25p in today's money) required to cross.