Cumbria County Council’s replacement bridge project at Pooley Bridge is set to reach another key milestone next week when the temporary footbridge structure is lifted out.
The footbridge, installed to maintain pedestrian access during construction of the new road bridge, is scheduled to be removed from site between Monday 7th and Saturday 12th of September.
The temporary structure will be lifted from its current location before being dismantled. This will be the last crane lift to be completed on site as construction works continue apace ahead of the scheduled opening of the new bridge to traffic at October half term.
To secure the safe removal of the temporary footbridge, it will be necessary to close the B5320 road from the ferry terminal to the new bridge to all vehicles and pedestrians and there will be no access across the river between 7-12 September.
A fully signed diversion route to Pooley Bridge via Eamont Bridge will be in operation and all closures will be kept to a minimum.
During this period a temporary bus service will operate, primarily serving Ullswater Steamers passengers, taking them around the diversion route and in and out of the village.
The road is scheduled to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so on Saturday 12 September when pedestrians will be able to cross the river on the new road bridge for the first time.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “This marks another milestone for the county council’s replacement bridge project for Pooley Bridge. The temporary footbridge was put in place to maintain connectivity across the river while the new road bridge was built. Once the footbridge has been safely removed, people will be able to walk across the new bridge on foot for the first time. It will be necessary to close the road for a few days while the footbridge is lifted out, we appreciate this temporary closure will cause some inconvenience and thank the local community for their continued patience and understanding throughout this project.”
Last weekend saw another key milestone reached; work began to lay 301 engraved stone pavers, bought by visitors and locals alike, across the two footways on either side of the road crossing. The project has raised over £50,000 which has enabled the village to establish a community fund to help fund projects and causes that benefit the community and village life. More information on the stone pavers can be found here: https://www.ullswater.com/news/pooley-new-bridge-the-final-countdown/
Cumbria County Council is delivering the project to create the first stainless steel road bridge of its kind in the country and restore connectivity in the Ullswater area. The new bridge will provide resilience against extreme bad weather so that the structure continues to connect communities for future generations.
