A South Cumbrian bridge, closed last June due to safety concerns, will reopen this week.
Brigsteer Bridge will be open to pedestrians, cyclists and select vehicles from tomorrow, Friday January 31, from 4pm.
Westmorland & Furness Council’s ongoing safety assessments identified structural concerns with Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges in June.
The report, based on available data from the 1970s, classified the bridges as unsafe and unable to support any applied load, requiring immediate closure for further investigations.
The authority said it worked with WSP and Jacobs, to complete complex analysis and intrusive investigations, which it said, have successfully confirmed the bridge can safely support vehicles weighing up to 3 tonnes, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
From 4pm tomorrow, the barriers closing Brigsteer Bridge will be removed and two-way traffic will be allowed back onto the structure.
A clearly signed weight restriction will be implemented and as the bridge remains classified as a weak structure, no exceptions will be permitted.
Drivers of vehicles exceeding 3 tonnes must follow an alternative route.
Westmorland and Furness Council will be working closely with Cumbria police, it said, to monitor and enforce the restrictions.
The council added: “Violating the weight restriction will not only put other road users at risk, but may result in prosecution and fines.
“Ongoing investigations will assess whether it is possible to further improve the weight limit on Brigsteer Bridge however, based on current findings, the bridge will remain subject to the 3 tonne limit.”
The council added it was continuing its structural assessments and checks for Underbarrow Bridge, with the aim of reopening it under a weight restriction once it is confirmed to be safe.
Longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area are also being considered through a feasibility study, it added.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT said: “I am pleased that Brigsteer Bridge will soon reopen, restoring an essential connection for our local residents who have felt the impact of its closure.
“Through working together with national experts at WSP and Jacobs, we have conducted thorough analysis, assessments, and intrusive investigations that have confirmed Brigsteer Bridge is safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and some vehicles to use with confidence.
“We have pushed for a solution which addresses key concerns of our communities and from Friday, people will be able to use the bridge to access hospital appointments, enjoy local restaurants and visit popular walking routes.
“We understand that the weight restriction for vehicles over 3 tonnes will be disappointing for some drivers. However, this measure is vital to ensure safety at this stage.
“We remain committed to completing the assessment of Underbarrow Bridge with the aim of reopening it and once complete, will investigate whether Brigsteer’s weight limit can be improved. Our priority remains delivering a safe and sustainable future for both bridges, and we will continue to explore long-term solutions.”
Westmorland & Lonsdale MP MP Tim Farron said: “After months of campaigning alongside local people, I’m delighted that Brigsteer bridge will very soon be safely reopened.
“From the many conversations I’ve had with residents on either side of this bridge, I know the massive inconvenience this closure has had on their lives.
“It’s now really important that the council does everything it can to reopen Underbarrow bridge.
“While today’s news is warmly welcome, the 3 tonne weight limit demonstrates what we already knew, that these bridges are nearing the end of their lives.
“That’s why I’m asking the Transport Secretary to step in and provide Government funding towards rebuilding and replacing both bridges as a proper long-term solution.”
