HIGH winds have delayed upgrading work on one of the region’s iconic bridges, bringing the project to a temporary halt.

Whitby’s wing bridge was due to reopen on Wednesday, January 27, but will now remain closed until Thursday at 6am when it will reopen to pedestrians and vehicles.

The bridge was closed on Monday for planned essential works to upgrade the control system panels which bridge operators use to swing the bridge. The upgrade is necessary so that the control system complies with modern electrical standards.

“We are sorry for stoppage of the swing bridge works today, but the safety of our workforce must be a priority,” said the county’s executive member for highways, Cllr Don Mackenzie.

“We will of course continue with the work as soon as it is safe to do so and our contractors are working around the clock to complete the work. However the stoppage means the bridge must remain closed for an extra day until Thursday.”