Planned essential maintenance works on Lendal Bridge head to decision session

These structural repairs are needed to protect the bridge so it can continue to be used for decades to come. The proposed works consist of urgent structural repairs, re-waterproofing the structure and resurfacing the road and footpaths to ensure a smoother journey for everyone.

The repairs will ensure the bridge’s long-term load carrying capacity is protected, meaning there is less likelihood of emergency repairs at short notice. They will also reduce the risk of more costly and disruptive future works.

Works on the road could take place in April 2026, after the Easter Holidays. This is designed to co-ordinate this project with other major works taking place in this part of the city in the first half of 2026 and to try and minimise disruption as much as possible.

The initial works are expected to last around eight weeks and will require a full road closure to vehicles. Pedestrians will continue to be able to cross the bridge and access to businesses will be maintained throughout the works and planning is underway to find a solution so that cyclists can also cross the bridge.

To avoid future return visits and to maximise the benefits of these works, the council is also exploring additional funding to deliver a wider package of improvements once the road is back open to vehicles. This will include full repainting of all metalwork, including decorative features and further work to protect the bridge long-term. This would require scaffolding but pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists will be able to cross the bridge as usual during this phase.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said: “Lendal Bridge is a very well used route at the heart of our city centre and is in need of essential repairs. Getting Lendal Bridge fixed will safeguard this important link for decades to come.

“We’re investing more in highways maintenance this year. £10m will be spent repairing and improving York’s roads, up from around £8m last year and money has been set aside through our highways budget to deliver these works.

“We are mindful that closing Lendal Bridge to vehicle traffic will impact many people’s journeys. The area is also home to a number of businesses. We are carrying out extensive planning and will be in touch directly with nearby businesses and residents to minimise disruption.

“We will also be learning from other major roadworks that have recently taken place in the city centre too, such as the recent road closures around the station, to ensure that the city keeps moving while these essential repairs take place.”

At the meeting the Executive Member for Transport will receive an update on the project, with work to procure a contractor underway, and be asked to agree to delegate authority to the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Director of Governance and the Head of Procurement, to take the necessary steps to award a contract.

You can view the report at https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1061&MId=14981 and the meeting will be available to view on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts