Lanterns on a bridge that crosses the River Eden in Carlisle are set to be replaced.
The lanterns have become unreliable due to their age and Cumberland Council said their replacements will preserve the area’s historic charm while benefiting from modern technology.
The River Eden is a Special Area of Conservation and serves as a crucial nocturnal corridor for various ecological communities that live and feed along its course.
The council said it prioritised the protection of the environment when considering new lighting options.
The new lanterns will incorporate advanced LED technology with a reduced blue light spectrum, replicating the glow of traditional gas lanterns.
The design aims to minimise light pollution and maintain the historical appeal of the area, the authority said.
Lighting will only operate between sunset and midnight to further reduce the environmental impact, while road lighting will be maintained to ensure safety.
The refurbishment work will be conducted by Cumberland Council’s in-house lighting team, with support from local contractor EEC Limited.
Weather permitting, the lantern replacement will occur over the coming weeks, and the original iron pedestals will also be refurbished during this time.
Vehicle traffic on the bridge will remain unaffected, and disruption to pedestrians and cyclists will be kept to a minimum.
The council said further work to replace heritage lanterns on Victoria Viaduct and Nelson Bridge are planned for later this year.
