Major engineering works are scheduled next month to repair storm damage and strengthen flood resilience on a section of the A685 near Kendal.
Cumbria County Council is investing approximately £650,000 in the surfacing and drainage works as part of the council’s Infrastructure Recovery Programme.
Works will involve repairing damage to a steep slope, supporting the A685 west of Grayrigg, severely damaged when Storm Desmond washed away the slope base, removing its foundation and causing a land slip.
The county council has appointed Eric Wright Civil Engineering as the main contractor to design and construct the improvement project.
As part of the project, a 200 metre section of Thursgill Beck has been diverted away from the foot of the slope which supports the A685, approx 1km west of Grayrigg village.
Phase two of the project will involve improvement works to repair an existing landslip area which supports the A685 above Thursgill Beck. These works will ensure future landslips do not impact on the main road between Kendal and Tebay.
Phase three will see the installation of a 225mm highway drain linked to six new road gullies to capture rainwater on the carriageway and pipe down the slope into a soakaway and on to Thursgill Beck. These works will ensure the slope does not become saturated and prevent future failure of the slope. New kerbs will also be installed along the edge of the road to the slope and a new road surface will be laid.
Phase two of the scheme is scheduled to start today (Tuesday 27 August), with Phase three beginning on Wednesday 11 September. A full road closure will be necessary to allow work on Phase three to be safely carried out. As a result, this section of the A685 will be closed from Wednesday 11 September for approx five weeks. A signed diversion will be in place during this period. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see that these essential repair works to protect the A685 from future flooding are taking place. I’d like to apologise to the travelling public in advance for any disruption the road closure has whilst we carry out this work and thank you for your patience.”
