Work has begun to remove a tree wedged under a West Cumbrian bridge.
Cranes are on site at Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth this morning as Cumbria County Council begins repairing the structure.
The authority was forced to close the bridge, which connects Market Place to Main Street, on Saturday after cracks appeared in the road’s surface.
Inspections took place on Monday.
A statement from the authority said: “The operations team will cut out a number of areas of carriageway surfacing on the bridge following completion of the tree removal operations.”
It will patch the surface and repointing work will also take place. The road will remain closed while this work is carried out.
The authority said it was not in a position to say when the bridge would reopen but a statement from Cockermouth Chamber of Trade said last night: “The chamber of trade have been advised by the County Council, that the trees lodged under the bridge will be removed Wednesday morning.
“The damaged area on the bridge will be replaced Wednesday afternoon. Fingers crossed the road should be ready to reopen by Thursday late afternoon.”
South Street footbridge is open after repairs to its metal parapet have been completed.
