Bridge 42
Our most historic and hardest-working bridge needs your help.
Bridge 42 at Grosmont carries every train on our railway, supports around 10,000 locomotive movements each year, and has stood proudly over the River Murk Esk since 1846. The original horse-drawn Whitby and Pickering Railway bridge at that location dates from 1836, but the current Grade II listed structure is thought to have been completed around 1845 to 1846, as part of the York and North Midland Railway's rebuilding of the line. After 180 years of faithful service, this Grade II listed structure now needs urgent repairs to keep trains running safely into the future.
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![Bridge 42 Pin Badge 01]()
Limited-Edition Pin Badges
With every donation of £25 and over, supporters will receive a free limited-edition pin badge with exclusive artwork of Bridge 42. The bridge is the vital structure that allows trains to run from Grosmont to Whitby. Without it, the heritage railway can’t fully operate its full line from Pickering to Whitby.
Now in stock and being sent out to our amazing supporters. Thank you!
Latest Bridge 42 News
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![Bridge 42 Propping]()
North York Moors National Park awards £50,000 contribution to Bridge 42 appeal
28th May 2026
We're so grateful to announce that the North York Moors National Park has awarded a £50,000 contribution from its S106 Landscape and Ecology fund under the Restoration of Degraded Heritage Assets scheme to support our Bridge 42 Appeal.
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![Bridge 42 lino print in green by artist David Cockayne.]()
Limited Edition Pin-Badges & Lino Prints to Help Save Bridge 42
10th Apr 2026
With every donation of £25 and over, supporters will receive a free limited-edition pin badge with exclusive artwork of Bridge 42.
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![No. 926 Repton travels over Bridge 42.]()
Major funding milestone of over £130k reached for vital Bridge 42 project
13th Feb 2026
Over £130k raised for Bridge 42. Helping to secure its vital restoration and ensure railway services return for the 2026 season. -
![An 1848 view of Grosmont Church, School and Whitby Railway Bridge from the Lime Kilns]()
We're Proactively Propping Bridge 42 To Ensure 2026 Season Opening
9th Feb 2026
We are pleased to confirm that Bridge 42, a key structure on our line, will be temporarily propped to allow safe operation of trains for the start of the 2026 season.
A Significant Challenge
To carry out the work, both tracks must be removed, bringing all train services to a halt. This means a serious loss of income at the very moment restoration costs are at their highest. Your donation will help us complete these vital repairs as quickly as possible and get our heritage railway moving again.
Without Bridge 42, trains simply cannot run to Whitby and Grosmont. The work requires careful restoration of the stone and brick arch masonry, using specialist skills and significant funding. Every day the bridge remains closed means cancelled services and lost revenue, making your support more important than ever.
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![Bridge 42 lino print in green by artist David Cockayne.]()
Limited-Edition Lino Prints
We've just released Limited Edition lino prints featuring Bridge 42. Created by artist David Cockayne exclusively for NYMR in aid of our Bridges Appeal. Find out more and get your copy in our online shop.
Every contribution helps
This isn’t just any bridge. Bridge 42 is the vital link between Whitby and Grosmont, our depot, and the start of the stunning journey towards Goathland and Pickering. It’s one of the most important surviving structures from George Hudson’s 1846 railway.
Donate to the Bridge 42 Appeal
Give today and keep our trains on track. Whether £10 or £1,000, every donation counts. To cover both the costs associated with propping the bridge and the vital repairs needed, we aim to raise a minimum of £800,000 to enable the necessary repairs to be completed. Your support will help this magnificent Victorian bridge continue carrying passengers through the North York Moors for generations. Don’t let 180 years of history come to a halt.
Bringing Bridge 42 at Grosmont back into good order will be the immediate priority for funds raised in this appeal. Should it not be possible or necessary to apply all funds raised to Bridge 42-related costs, residual funds will be applied to the NYMR’s overall care plan for its bridges and lineside structures. Donate and help us bridge the gap.
Bridgometer Update
