THE B6270, which links Grinton and Reeth with Richmond, is now fully reopened to two-way traffic.

It reopened yesterday afternoon following the completion of a temporary road alongside the bridge that was damaged in last month’s flooding.

The route initially reopened to single-file traffic under two-way signals two weeks ago following the installation of a temporary metal bridge over the damaged Cogden Beck Bridge.

North Yorkshire County Council’s bridge engineers have now completed a temporary crossing of the beck to one side of the road, well ahead of their mid-September target date.

This has allowed the traffic signals to be removed and has freed the B6270 for permanent repairs next spring.

The Northern Echo:

At the same time, work is progressing on a temporary route alongside the bridge that was washed away on the C106 on Grinton Moor between Grinton and Leyburn.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “We set ourselves challenging targets because we are determined to fully reconnect the Dales as quickly as possible. On the B6270, we beat our targets for the initial reopening, which happened on 14 August, and the two-way opening achieved today.

“At the bridge on Grinton Moor, we have encountered issues as a result of saturated ground, which have made the road construction more difficult.

"This means that the crossing will not be in place by our ambitious target of the end of August. "However, while weather and ground conditions can always play a part, we are optimistic that the route can be reopened in the latter part of next week.

“In the meantime, as shown by the success of Wensleydale Show and Reeth Show last weekend, the Dales are very much open to visitors.

"With this weekend being the last before the end of the summer school holidays, what better than a family trip into the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside?”