The bridge, which overarches the River Esk and the Esk Valley Rail line, is undergoing its first major refurbishment since it was built in 1933.

The 12-week project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of this month, has involved deck waterproofing, carriageway and footway reconstruction and parapet refurbishment.

Sections of new safety fence ensuring compliance with modern safety standards will also be installed on the bridge and the carriageway over the structure has also been widened, so in the event of further maintenance being necessary, road closures and traffic disruption may be avoided.

But long traffic jams in the height of summer have sparked complaints from residents as well as tourists with traffic backing up as far as Blue Bank during busy periods.

Adrian Mee, who owns the Salmon Leap Hotel, said during the first three weeks of the work, customers were walking out of his business due to the noise.

Mr Mee complained to borough councillor Tim Lawn as the hammering was beginning as early as 7.30am.

Mr Lawn arranged for the contractors to speak to him and are now starting later in the morning.

“They were in here in February in the hotel looking for accommodation with a view to starting that job and it’s been knocked back and knocked back and knocked back.

“I don’t know why.

“They have had no thought at all for tourism. I’m very angry.

“The whole of Sleights is angry about it, it wakes everybody up. I’m £10,000 down on what I took last year over the month.

“At the end of the day you can’t blame the contractor. The contractor is doing a job which he was asked to do by the highways.”

Borough councillor Tim Lawn said it is a ridiculous time to do the work and he says he objected to the safety barriers being installed on the bridge when the parish council was consulted as he feels they are unnecessary and will be unsightly.

“It’s a waste of money,” he said. “It should have been done before the main holiday season.”

North Yorkshire County Council said it was fully aware of the traffic sensitivity of the A169, however the nature of the works is such that the refurbishment needed to be programmed during more favourable summer weather conditions.

A spokeswoman said: “While temporary traffic lights have been in operation for most of the works period, these will removed for the three days of Whitby Regatta weekend when traffic volumes are expected to be particularly high.”

The council regrets any inconvenience to highway users and will aim to complete the work as soon as possible.