Cumbrian MP writes to Government to demand action over closed bridges

A Cumbrian MP has written to the Government to demand urgent action after two bridges in the south of the county had to be closed.

Last month, Westmorland and Furness Council said it was considering possible short-term solutions after the Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges over the A591 were closed on June 12 as a precautionary measure following an external expert report.

A council report said Brigsteer and Underbarrow are reinforced concrete half-joint bridges built between 1970 and 1971 and there was worldwide concern about bridges of this construction type.

The council said its short-term objectives were to restore links across the A591 and minimise disruption to the road. It said it had commissioned a consulting engineer to undertake a second opinion on the findings of the initial Jacobs assessment.

However, the local authority added that it did not have the funds at the moment to rebuild both bridges but officers have met with Department for Transport officials to seek support for a more permanent solution.

Now, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has written to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, to ask her to provide urgent funding to repair and reopen the two bridges near Kendal.

Last month, Mr Farron chaired a public meeting in Underbarrow to hear from local residents about the disruption that the closures have caused, and from the council about its work to reopen the bridges.

Mr Farron wrote: “There is no doubt that these closures will lead to significant delays and disruption to the lives of local residents and businesses, so undertaking work swiftly is a must. 

“I empathise especially with local businesses such as some local pubs which enjoy 50% of their trade coming from people travelling from Kendal and, if the bridges are closed long term, this potentially jeopardises their business and the security of the local people who are employed.

“The detour will also add additional cost for petrol and for many who simply can’t afford any increases in living costs.

“It is yet another example of our country’s infrastructure crumbling in the wake of the Conservative Government’s underfunding of our local authorities.

“I would urge the Government to provide emergency funding to get these vital arterial bridges repaired and reopened as quickly as possible. Could I encourage your team to contact Westmorland and Furness Council to support their work in reopening these bridges asap?”

Mr Farron is also running a petition to the Department for Transport which can be found here.