Vandalism of signs and fences at two closed South Cumbrian bridges is continuing.
Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges, which cross the A591, were closed to all traffic on June 12 after a routine inspection found structural concerns due to the design of the bridges.
Diversions were put in place, but drivers have been ignoring signs and continuing to use the bridges, which were built in the 1970s.
At the end of June, South Lakes Police said they had been informed about deliberate damage, which saw 14 diversion signs removed or damaged and 11 fence panels damaged.
In an update from Westmorland and Furness Council, the authority said it was still experiencing vandalism of the road closure signs and fencing. The damage is being reported to Cumbria police.
It said the vandalism was increasing council costs. It added: “Fencing has been damaged beyond reuse, requiring replacements to be purchased.
“We appreciate that these closures, and the diversions, are causing inconvenience for local residents, communities, businesses and road users, however vandalism of our road closure fencing, that is there to keep you safe, is not the answer.”
Its update said the A591 was closed overnight earlier this month so the bridges could be inspected by staff. The investigation confirmed the A591 can remain open safely.
It added: “Monitoring will continue throughout the closure period to ensure the safety of road users travelling on the A591. It is anticipated the next phase will be conducted in September.”
A review of the initial assessment report by Jacobs has also been carried out by consultants WSP, which did not find any flaws in Jacobs’ approach when it carried out its work last month.
The council said: “Now that the review has completed, we are continuing to monitor the bridges and conduct an options study and feasibility assessments that aim to restore links at the bridge sites.”
It is expected that the feasibility study will be completed in October and options for the future will be announced.
Possible short-term solutions include:
- More sophisticated analysis of the bridges
- Re-opening the bridges with an imposed weight limit if the refined structural assessment proves this to be safe
- Propping the bridge at half-joint locations
- Demolition and installation of temporary bridges
- Propping the current bridges and installing temporary bridges
- Support the structure from above the bridge.
Last month, the authority said it did not have the funds at the moment to rebuild both bridges but officers had met with Department for Transport officials to seek support for a more permanent solution.
