29 Jul 2010

The current swing bridge was built in 1908 and links the upper and lower harbour areas and the east and west sides of the town. The bridge spans 75ft and each section can be operated independently swinging horizontally.

Opening Times

The bridge opens on the hour and half hour on request on VHF channel 11 and is manned for two hours either side of high water.  While on duty the bridge operatives maintain a listening watch on VHF channels 11 and 16.

The first opening will be as soon as practical two hours before high water and the final opening will be 10 minutes prior to two hours after high water.

Worked example:  High Water is 13.18  - the first opening will be 11.30 (allowing time for the operators to stop the traffic and open the bridge).  The next openings, if requested will be:  12.00, 12.30, 13.00, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30, and the final opening will be 15.08.

Tide Times

Whitby swing bridge is manned for two hours either side of high water and works strictly to the tide tables produced by the Whitby Harbour Office. 

How to Purchase a Tide Table.

Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory - Published national tide times and sea levels.

Extra Openings

These are agreed through cooperative working with the Whitby Yacht Club and Whitby Boating Association.

Notices of extra openings are posted around the harbour area or a full list can be viewed on Extra Bridge Openings.

Contact Details

Whitby Harbour Office
Endeavour Wharf
Whitby
YO21 1DN

Tel: 01947 602354
Fax: 01947 600380
Email: port.services@scarborough.gov.uk