The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced that £130,000 has now been raised towards the urgent stabilisation of Bridge 42, marking a major milestone in efforts to restore services ahead of the 2026 season, which will begin on 28 March.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of supporters and donors, this funding will go towards the installation of temporary propping to secure the bridge – a critical step in enabling the railway to progress towards reopening.
While this represents significant progress, the total cost of the propping works, including hire and removal, is approximately £250,000. With £130,000 already secured, a further £120,000 is still required to fully fund this essential phase of the project.
As a registered charity, the NYMR has been able to secure a 20% charitable discount on the propping works, reducing costs by more than £35,000, ensuring that every donation goes further.
Phil Sash, director of civils at NYMR, said: “Reaching £130,000 is a hugely important milestone for the Bridge 42 project. The temporary propping is essential to stabilise the structure and allow us to safely move forward with both operational planning and the permanent repair works.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far, their generosity is directly enabling progress on site and bringing the return of services in 2026 closer.”
Laura Strangeway, chief executive officer at NYMR, added: “The response from our supporters has been truly remarkable. Bridge 42 is critical to the future of the railway, and this level of public support demonstrates just how much the line means to our communities, volunteers, and visitors. While there is still more to do, this milestone gives us real confidence as we continue the work needed to reopen the railway in 2026.
“We would like to thank everyone who has contributed so far. Public support remains crucial as work continues to safeguard the line and bring trains back to the North York Moors in 2026.”
Designs for the propping solution are now complete, and work is underway to secure a specialist delivery partner to support the required river works. Foundation details will shortly be submitted to the relevant river authority for approval.
Alongside the temporary stabilisation works, plans for the permanent repair of Bridge 42 continue to progress. Design drawings for the repairs are due to be issued this week, supported by recently completed defect surveys that will define the scope of the structural works and any further investigations required.
Initial drawings, surveys, and technical documents have already been submitted to the North York Moors National Park Planning Authority, with remaining reports currently being finalised.
The permanent repair works are currently estimated at £550,000, and fundraising for this phase will continue alongside the propping works. In total the heritage railway needs to raise £800,000.
Supporters can contribute by visiting nymr.co.uk/bridge42.
Image credit: North Yorkshire Moors Railway
