ONE of the main routes into the Dales will be disrupted by roadworks over the next four weeks as work to repair a historic bridge gets underway after it was damaged for the third time.

Work to repair Morton on Swale Bridge on the road between Northallerton and Bedale on the main A684 road through the Yorkshire Dales to Cumbria was due to start two weeks ago but had to be postponed because of high river levels.

The work is being carried out by North Yorkshire highways who say repairs will involve installing two way traffic lights on the bridge. The road will also have to be completely closed for three nights while resurfacing work is carried out.

From Monday July 8 traffic on the bridge will be restricted to single lane. Engineers say extensive work is now needed to repair and restore the Grade 11 listed bridge, as well as building work new signing and lining is being installed along with a reduced speed limit to try and protect the bridge from further collisions and damage.