Whitby traffic alert over swing bridge weekend closures

Traffic will be affected in the popular tourist town at peak times as the bridge will be closed to vehicles at weekends during the school summer holidays, as well as on bank holidays and special events between 10.30am and 4pm.

Buses will be exempt from the order, with public transport allowed to continue using the route while other vehicles are diverted.

Whitby traffic alert over swing bridge weekend closures. (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The closure is intended to protect pedestrian safety and support the local economy.

Recommended reads:

York garage confirms permanent closure as prime site faces uncertain future

‘Wrong proposal in wrong location’: council demands rethink over Linton asylum bid

Three York roads face disruption as works get underway

Motorbike ‘faces the crusher’ after riders flee North Yorkshire police

This measure will be operational on specific dates, including, among others, Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, and the following Saturdays and Sundays up to September 5 to 6.

The bridge will also be closed for the Whitby Regatta on, Monday, August 10, as well as for the summer bank holiday on Monday, August 31 when it is expected to be heavily used by crowds moving between the town centre and the seafront.

North Yorkshire Council says the closure of the bridge, which carries vehicles and pedestrians across the River Esk between Whitby’s east and west sides, is aimed at easing congestion on the narrow approaches and cutting the risk to pedestrians at one of the town’s busiest pinch‑points.

The 75‑foot swing bridge, which dates from 1909, regularly sees vehicles nose‑to‑tail in summer as visitors cross between the harbour and the old town. Recent timed closures around school holidays and bank holiday weekends have already been trialled and are now being extended into this summer season.

The latest order covers weekends from mid‑July through to early September.

Highways bosses say they will continue to monitor the impact of the closures on congestion and footfall, with signage and traffic management in place to direct drivers to alternative routes and parking.

Traders on both sides of the Esk have previously reported benefits from traffic‑free periods on the bridge, saying people feel safer and are more likely to linger when the road is given over to pedestrians