Historic swing bridge to close for urgent works

Northern is the primary operator on this route (Image: Northern)

A HISTORIC bridge is set to close for a major upgrade this weekend.

Network Rail is set to close Grade-II* listed Goole Swing Bridge for two days from Saturday (October 17) to Sunday (October 18) whilst critical safety works take place.

The work will take place on the Doncaster to Hull line, where power cables and 16 control units will be replaced to 'improve reliability and reduce the risk of faults'.

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The bridge, which carries trains over the River Ouse between Doncaster and Hull, will not be in use during the £200,000 upgrade.

Mark Hayles, head of route operations at Network Rail, said: "This £200,000 investment at Goole Swing Bridge will replace ageing equipment with modern, more reliable components, helping us maintain a safe and dependable railway for passengers and freight customers.

"By renewing power cables and key control units, we're reducing the risk of faults and helping to keep trains moving reliably through this important location.

"We’re sorry to anyone whose journey will be affected while we carry out this work, thank passengers for their patience while these essential upgrades are completed."

The Goole Swing Bridge is a Grade II*-listed structure and one of the oldest and largest surviving railway swing bridges in the UK.

Much of its machinery dates back to the Victorian era, however the bridge underwent major refurbishment in summer 2023 - including upgrades to its hydraulic and control systems.

Trains will be replaced by buses between Doncaster and Hull for the duration of the works.