Thirlmere’s West Road remains blocked following Storm Arwen as contactors face months of repair work ahead.
The storm wreaked havoc in the area and it is estimated that some sections of the road and footpaths will not reopen until 2023.
Landowner United Utilities said it was estimated that around 1,500 trees have either been blown over or damaged in Thirlmere forest.
The West Road has also been blocked in several locations.
A spokesman said: “Due to the scale of the damage caused, United Utilities is planning four phases of work before all paths and roads in the area will reopen for use by the public.
“Emergency work has already been taking place to remove trees from properties, assets and major roads and this work is expect to be completed shortly.”
Currently the West Road, which runs by the reservoir, will remain closed between Dobgil and the northern junction with the A591.
It is expected that the road will reopen in sections as work is complete.
- Steel End to Dobgil – Expected to reopen by December 20
- Northern Junction of A591 to the Dam Triangle – Expected to reopen by December 20
- Dam Triangle to Launchy Gill – Expected to reopen in February 2022
- Launchy Gill to Dobgil – Expected to reopen in early 2023
Footpaths alongside the lake and in the forest have also been damaged or blocked and will be reopened in phases.
United Utilities is warning residents and visitors to plan their journeys in the area and find alternative routes while the work is carried out.
Vicky Bowman, woodlands officer for United Utilities, said: “Storm Arwen has unfortunately wreaked havoc around Thirlmere. The high winds were northerly rather than westerly which is how they usually come through the valley and a result they brought down around 1,500 trees.
“With the size of the trees involved and locations they fell, it is going to take time to safely remove them all and open all the paths and the West Road to the public. We will be working with local agencies to minimise the impact this has on local residents and visitors.”
