Bridge repairs on hold until more funding found

26 October 2025

Grace McGroryHorkstow

News image — Horkstow Bridge was closed in early 2025, after it was deemed unsafe

BBC The picture has been taken from one side of an old style suspension bridge. The floor is wooden, and curves in the distance as it reaches the other side. There are red and green metal bars either side of the bridge, preventing it from being open at each side. Directly in front of the camera are two metal fences, preventing people from passing. One of the signs on them reads 'Danger.' — Horkstow Bridge was closed in early 2025, after it was deemed unsafe

Work to reopen a nearly 200-year-old bridge will require further funding due to rising costs, the Environment Agency has said.

Grade II listed Horkstow Bridge was built in the early 1800s, and spans the River Ancholme in North Lincolnshire.

It has been closed since early 2025 after it was deemed unsafe following a structural inspection.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency, which is leading efforts to restore the bridge, said: "Costs have risen substantially due to newly identified structural issues, and we are developing an updated business case, with local partners, to explore all available options."

The photo has been taken from one side of an old style suspension bridge. The floor is wooden, and curves in the distance as it reaches the other side. There are red and green metal bars either side of the bridge, preventing it from being open at each side. Directly in front of the camera are two metal fences, preventing people from passing. One of the signs on them reads 'Danger - Keep Out No Access.' — The bridge was built in 1834 - 35 according to Historic England

The proposed restoration would involve, dismantling the bridge deck and metalwork, re-tensioning the suspension chains, and fully repainting the structure.

If the funding can be secured work would begin after March 2026 - and would take about two years to complete.

According to Historic England, Horkstow Bridge was built between 1834-35 by engineer Sir John Rennie - and is believed to be one of the earliest unaltered suspension bridges in the country.

The photo shows a man looking at the camera. He's wearing a black coat with a hood up. He's also wearing sunglasses. He's standing in front of a suspension bridge, and lots of greenery. — Stephen Reeve lives nearby the bridge, and says he hopes it will be fixed

Alan York, 73, from Winterton, said he uses the bridge about three to four times a month.

He added he had lots of memories from when he was younger of people using the bridge and the wider riverbank.

"It used to be packed at the weekends, it was a day out for everybody. There would be young people jumping off the bridge and swimming, and lots of boats."

He said although the current closure means the bridge is quieter, it would be an inconvenience for walkers if it was not eventually fixed.

"If the bridge is blocked off to pedestrians, or they close it all together, it will be a bit awkward."

Stephen Reeve, 73, who lives just outside of Horkstow, agreed.

"I don't mind it being closed, as long as they do the repairs on it.

"It just makes you wonder what they do spend their money on, as this is a historical interest and, as such, it should be preserved."

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