Work has started on replacing a culvert in Threlkeld.
After consultation and agreement with landowners, the Environment Agency started work on a replacement culvert at Gategill Beck on Monday.
The work will involve diverting the existing watercourse by constructing a new culvert. The new culvert will cross the road close to the entrance of Threlkeld Business Park and exit into the existing open channel section of river at Town Cross.
Erosion protection work will be completed to parts of the existing open channel. The existing culvert will then be made safe and be filled in with grout.
It is anticipated that construction will take about eight months to complete. This timeframe will be dependent on weather conditions and river levels.
While there will be some traffic disruption to Fellside Road and the access track to Gategill, access will be maintained to properties and businesses at all times.
Stewart Mounsey, flood risk manager for the Environment Agency said: “Since 2019 we have been working closely with specialist engineers and contractors to identify and design a suitable long-term solution which would reduce the flood risk from the failing culverts on Gategill Beck, which are a historic legacy of the lead mining in Threlkeld.
“Following our emergency repair works at the time, we have identified the safest and most cost-effective solution to replace the culvert. We have secured government funding to enable us to undertake these works and have been working over the last few months to finalise plans and designs.
“We are glad to see this project come to fruition and look forward to the project’s completion and the benefits this will bring to the local community.”
