SELBY Swing Bridge will officially reopen to trains today after a six-week closure for refurbishment.

The £14 million project is the most significant upgrade to the bridge in 125 years.

It has included replacing the track across the bridge, repairs to its steelwork structure, sections have been strengthened or replaced, the hydraulic system has been overhauled and new walkways and steps installed for bridge operators.

The bridge, which was built in 1889 and has been closed since July 26, has also been given a new coat of paint. Network Rail hopes that three of the spans won’t need further work for 120 years and the remaining two for 60.

The hydraulics will need more work in 20 years’ time. The work was originally scheduled for last summer, but was delayed by a landslip near Doncaster.

Representatives of Network Rail and Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express, whose trains use the bridge, will be at Selby Railway Station for the reopening.