A bridge over the High Peak Trail in the Derbyshire Dales is to be replaced permanently following an accident which severely damaged the original structure.
In April 2019 the old bridge was extensively damaged by an HGV and the road and trail were closed for 5 weeks until a temporary bridge was lifted into place.
The work to install a new permanent bridge is scheduled to start on 3 October 2022 and will take around 4 weeks. During the work the High Peak Trail, near Brassington, will be closed as will the B5056 which runs underneath. Diversion routes will be in place for both the High Peak Trail and B5056.
The new bridge will be higher than the original by approximately 5 feet, to meet statutory design requirements and prevent the risk of future HGV collision.
Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport said:
“It’s great news that we are now to replace the bridge with a permanent one.
“We realise that the work will inconvenience local people, and those wanting to use the High Peak Trail, but signed diversions for both the road, and the trail will be in place.”
The old bridge was likely constructed in the late 1820s and it is thought to be one of the earliest railway bridges. It was part of the Cromford and High Peak Railway, which opened in 1829, funded by the Butterley Company.
One of the original cast iron girders that survived the collision will be positioned next to the trail, opposite the old station house, to preserve some heritage of the old structure.
We have had to obtain listed building consent for the new bridge and hope the cost will be mainly met through an insurance claim.
The High Peak Trail stretches 17.5 miles from High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton.
