Thorp Arch Bridge (sometimes known locally as Boston Spa Bridge) is a stone arch bridge opened in 1770 across the River Wharfe linking the West Yorkshire villages of Boston Spa on the southbank and Thorp Arch on the north.

Thorp Arch Bridge
Coordinates53°54′22″N 1°20′39″W / 53.90611°N 1.34404°W / 53.90611; -1.34404
CarriesBridge Road, Boston Spa
CrossesRiver Wharfe
LocaleThorp Arch and Boston Spa, West Yorkshire
Official nameThorp Arch Bridge
Other name(s)Boston Spa Bridge
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialAshlar Magnesian limestone
No. of spans4
Piers in water3
History
Opened1770
Location
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Description

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Thorp Arch bridge has five arched spans, two of which are over the current course of the river Wharfe is built of Ashlar magnesian limestone. The central arch has triangular cutwaters which accommodate pedestrian refuges in the parapets (the bridge has a footpath only to its upstream side), the remaining piers have cutwaters terminating in offsets.[1] The bridge was built to replace a ford and connect the village with the turnpike road which went through Boston Spa.[2]

The bridge carries the No. 7 bus route from Harrogate to Leeds via Wetherby, which is operated by the Harrogate Bus Company.[3]

Cracks

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In February 2022, the bridge was briefly closed due to cracks appearing in the road surface.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Historic England. "Thorp Arch Bridge (Grade II) (1313470)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Thorp Arch CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLAN" (PDF). leeds.gov.uk. September 2009. p. 6. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  3. ^ "7 Harrogate & Wetherby to Leeds". transdevbus.co.uk. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  4. ^ Harrison, Janet (21 February 2022). "Boston Spa bridge reopens". Harrogate Advertiser. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
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