MOTORISTS left frustrated after a bridge was badly damaged have been told rebuilding work could last weeks.

Brough Bridge, near Tunstall, was badly damaged last month – leaving drivers forced to find alternative routes.

This marks the third strike of the year and the sixth time in around the last three years.

Highway officials confirmed the bridge will remain closed until work is complete.

A spokesperson said: “The bridge is narrow and in order to protect it, we have erected signs and barriers to reduce the available road width.

“Unfortunately, these are continually ignored by larger vehicles, which are causing the damage. The signs and barriers are in addition to the weight limit Traffic Regulation Order.”

The spokesperson added: “Following an assessment of the damage, the decision to close the bridge was made for safety reasons.”

The contractor is now dismantling the stone affected by the damage. After that scaffolding will be installed and reconstruction work will start.

Brough Bridge was hit by a vehicle a year ago and the thoroughfare that links it to the main Catterick Road was closed and traffic diverted.

The repairs were not complete until the beginning of December and the bridge was struck two times within weeks of its re-opening.

County council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “I think part can be put down to road closures whilst the A1(M) is being constructed and vehicles using sat navs to avoid those closures.

“However, I can`t believe the stupidity of some drivers who take large vehicles down inappropriate looking minor lanes past numerous warning signs and then persevere when they get to a narrow bridge on a bend.”