[B]ell Bridge at Sebergham is a step closer to being replaced today, after the craning into place of the new bridge superstructure. This replaces the bridge which was completely destroyed following Storm Desmond in December 2015.
At 12.30pm the superstructure was lifted into place on top of recently constructed concrete abutments. The superstructure consists of 20 tonnes of steel framework, plus scaffolding, concrete panels and shuttering.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This is a significant step forward for all involved, particularly for the local community who I’d like to thank for their patience. It was great to see so many locals here today to witness the event.
“Replacing Bell Bridge is one of the most significant projects in our bridge work programme this year that will see over 300 bridges in Cumbria receiving varying levels of repair after damage sustained during Storm Desmond.
“The works are progressing well and we’re on schedule for completion in November 2017.”
Previously, Bell Bridge was a single-span hump-back arch, under a solid parapet with chamfered coping. This was constructed in 1772 and replaced the original Bell Bridge which was destroyed by a flood in 1771. The bridge was named after the Bell Family of the nearby Bell-bridge Farm.
The new bridge will be formed in weathered steel beams with masonry-clad reinforced concrete abutments and parapet walls, making the new bridge look as similar as possible to the original but ensuring resilience to any future flood events. It is intended that as much of the original stone as possible will be used to face the new bridge.
