Five bar wooden gate - top horizontal bar is starting to rot, looking for solutions

[Rollerball]

The rot isn't yet bad but it is evident, but short of replacing the whole bar (it's a wide gate and that would be a major undertaking for me) is there anything that I could do to patch it up?

Basically what's happening is that some areas are becoming a bit soft on the surface and splinters are starting to flake off and leaving indentations.

Maybe when it's 100% dry, dig out the rot and use some kind of filler perhaps? That won't add strength of course. Or attach a thinner bar on top and screw or bolt it in place?

Etc.

 

[Koolpc]

Any pics?

 

[foxhole]

Reinforce with a flat steel bar full length.

 

[Rollerball]

Any pics?

Not yet, I'll try and take some tomorrow.

 

[Rollerball]

Reinforce with a flat steel bar full length.

Nice idea, thanks! Should I also re-treat the wood in any way to prevent further rot?

 

[foxhole]

Nice idea, thanks! Should I also re-treat the wood in any way to prevent further rot?

Always helps to treat bare timber .