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Village Road Collapses Into River: Years of Waiting
2 Mar
Summary
- A village road has been closed for over three years due to a surface collapse.
- Significant riverbank erosion is believed to be causing the road to fall into the river.
- Residents face long diversions, adding time and expense to their daily journeys.
The C31 road into Hamsterley, near Bishop Auckland, remains closed more than three years after a surface collapse in January 2023. Part of the road fell into the River Wear, forcing lengthy diversions for residents. Villagers express frustration, with one stating they receive no updates on progress. The council describes the subsidence as significant and the issue incredibly complex, attributing damage to severe riverbank erosion that has undermined the road.
Officials are exploring all options for the road's future. A decision from the council's cabinet is anticipated soon. If reopening the C31 is not viable, alternative routes into the village will be improved. The continued closure and the 4.5-mile (7.2km) diversion route are causing significant delays and increased costs for locals. A pinch point on the diversion, Linburn Beck Bridge, poses a hazard for larger vehicles.
