WORK to replace a 200-year-old flood-hit bridge in Brighouse has been completed and the new structure is now open for use.

Crowther Bridge was severely damaged by floods and over the last 18 months the bridge has been completely rebuilt, along with a new towpath for the canal.

Calderdale Council, the Canal & River Trust and contractor Kier Group have been working on the new structure, which has been designed to have a life of 120 years and resembles the old bridge as much as possible.

It has been built with piled foundations and a concrete core to make the structure more flood resilient.

Local stone has been used to face the bridge and the arch ‘voussoir’ stones have been re-used from the nearby Elland Bridge, which was damaged at the same time and reopened earlier this year.

Crowther Bridge gives access to the popular Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve and people will once again be able to use the public right of way over the bridge to visit the reserve as well as use the canal towpath for walking and cycling.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Councillor Barry Collins, said: “The opening of Crowther Bridge is another milestone in our flood recovery work and great news for visitors to Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve and users of the canal and towpath.

“The new bridge has been expertly built to resemble the historic bridge as much as possible, with flood resilience measures incorporated into the build to protect against any damage in the future.”

The Canal & River Trust look after the Calder and Hebble Navigation which passes under Crowther Bridge. Graham Ramsden, senior project manager said: “We’re delighted with the results and have already had some lovely feedback from towpath users.”

He added: “Sadly, the original bridge, built in the early 1800s, was damaged by a loose boat during the floods. While we’ve lost of piece of our waterway heritage, the new bridge has deep foundations and concrete core which will prove considerably more resilient, to ensure that boaters, canoeists, cyclists and walkers can continue enjoy this canal for many years to come.”

Rebuilding Crowther Bridge and Elland Bridge has been financed through £5.5 million from the Department for Transport’s flood recovery fund.