Drivers warned of closures as four-week Wharfe Bridge repairs set to begin in Wetherby

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead as essential repair works are set to begin on Wharfe Bridge in Wetherby later this month.

Leeds City Council has confirmed that maintenance work on the bridge, which carries the A168 Privas Way over the River Wharfe to the south of Wetherby town centre, will start on Monday, October 12, and is expected to take around four weeks to complete.

The bridge, which was constructed in the 1950s, is due to undergo a series of repairs, including the replacement of four bridge expansion joints and bridge deck waterproofing.

The scheme will also include resurfacing and new road markings, as well as drainage clearance and the removal of vegetation from footpaths.

While Privas Way will remain open to traffic during the day, overnight closures will be in place between 7pm and 6am while work is carried out.

The road will be closed in both directions during these overnight periods, although access for pedestrians and other non-motorised users will be maintained.

No work will take place at weekends, and the road will be fully reopened outside the overnight working hours.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: "Planned repairs to Wharfe Bridge in Wetherby are due to begin in October and are expected to take around four weeks to complete.

"We would like to thank the local community for their patience while this important maintenance work is carried out."

Councillor Norma Harrington, Conservative councillor for Wetherby Ward on Leeds City Council, has welcomed the planned repairs.

She said: "The works are necessary on this main route which seeks to ease congestion in the town centre.

"The nighttime hours of work are planned to cause as little disruption as possible.”