Two South Cumbrian bridges near Kendal will close from Wednesday, due to structural concerns.
The Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges, run over the A591 and will be closed as a precautionary measure.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it had commissioned an external report, which identified structural concerns and recommended a closure on both bridges to allow for further detailed assessment and monitoring.
The A591 will remain open and is safe for road users to continue travelling on the route, the authority said.
By acting on the findings of the specialist report and closing off access to both Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges, the safety of the A591 will not be compromised.
Brigsteer and Underbarrow are reinforced concrete half joint bridges that were erected in the 1970s.
This type of bridge requires and receives bespoke and detailed assessments that are carried out by an external consultant across an extended period of time, to ensure they benefit from ongoing continuous review in line with national guidance.
The issues found on both bridges are not unique to Westmorland and Furness and it is expected that structures of this type and age across the country are likely to now require repair or replacement.
Throughout the closure that will be in place from 8am on Wednesday, June 12, all traffic including vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency services will be required to follow the signed diversions:
- Underbarrow Bridge via the C5048, U853 Queens Road (Kendal), A5284 Windermere Road (Kendal) , B5284, C5059 and C5048.
- Brigsteer Road Bridge via C5062, U782, U583 Queens Road (Kendal), A5284 Windermere Road (Kendal) , B5284, C5059 and C5062.
Phil Greenup, assistant director for sustainable transport and highways, said: “A full closure will be implemented as a precautionary measure for public safety on both bridges, until further notice, to allow for detailed assessments.
“We appreciate that these closures, even with the diversions, will cause inconvenience for residents, communities, and road users and we thank you in advance for your patience as we carry out these essential assessments.”
Throughout the closure period, the council said it would continue to monitor the condition of the bridges, and also the impact of the diversions on traffic in Kendal.
A petition has been launched to urge the Government to release funds urgently to repair the bridges.
