Stanhope Ford now open

Published June 18, 2009.

A County Durham river crossing is to re-open to traffic from today (June 18).  

Stanhope Ford has been closed since April last year after a vehicle became stranded due to high water levels.  

The ford had only opened just hours earlier after having been closed for the winter since October 2007.  

Following the incident last April, Durham County Council took the decision to keep the crossing closed so that repairs to the concrete floor could be carried out.  

The work, which was completed earlier this month, had to be delayed at the request of the Environment Agency in order to protect spawning fish in the river.  

Coun Bob Young, Cabinet Member for Environment at Durham County Council, said: “We have now completed the repair work to ensure that the ford is safe.  

“Because the concrete bed is below water the process for repairing the highway is obviously slightly different.  

“We have therefore allowed additional time before re-opening the ford to inspect the repairs and make sure they have been successful.”  

The ford has been the scene of a number of incidents involving vehicles becoming stuck while trying to cross.  

As a result Durham County Council decided in 2007 to close the ford for six months every year between October and April when water levels are higher.  

The move was supported by the emergency services, Stanhope Parish Council, local county councillors and the former Wear Valley District Council.  

However, drivers are still reminded that they must pay attention to the water levels and condition of the river before deciding whether to use the ford.  

Coun Young added: “Even when the ford is open it is still important that drivers take into account the local conditions and use their judgement before deciding whether to cross using the ford.  

“If people are in any doubt they should use the alternative crossing.”  

Stanhope Ford will remain open for the summer and will close to vehicles again on October 1.

Ends.