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.
Description
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. The bridge was built to replace a ford and connect the village with the turnpike road which went through Boston Spa.
The bridge carries the No. 7 bus route from Harrogate to Leeds via Wetherby, which is operated by the Harrogate Bus Company.
Cracks
In February 2022, the bridge was briefly closed due to cracks appearing in the road surface.