A bid for £30m to pay for the repair of one landmark river bridge in Selby and the possible replacement of another has been sent to government ministers.
North Yorkshire councillors unanimously backed the bid when they met in the town on Wednesday and heard “numerous structural components” within the toll bridge are “nearing end of life”.
They were also briefed on the state of the A63 bypass swing bridge, which has been unable to swing open for boats on the River Ouse since 2022 and is currently subject to a 20mph speed restriction.
If the Department for Transport agrees, the funding would be used for “extensive repairs” to the bypass bridge and repair or replacement of the toll bridge.
Labour member Jack Proud represents the Selby East division, which includes both the toll bridge and the bypass bridge.
“It is massive, it affects everyone – the businesses, the market, the potential for future investment,” he said.
“When they invest they want to know they can get into and out of the town. Those bridges are absolutely critical.”
After repeated repairs, he said the toll bridge now required replacing.
“It’s made out of wood,” he said.
“We know it will be disruptive for residents, me included, but the long-term future of the town depends on having a bridge that will be open long term.”
