A South Cumbrian bridge, closed since June last year, will reopen this week.
Underbarrow Bridge, was crosses the A591, will reopen for pedestrians, cyclists and select vehicles from 4pm tomorrow, Friday February 14.
Complex analysis and intrusive investigations have now completed, confirming the bridge can safely support vehicles weighing up to a gross weight of three tonnes, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
Tomorrow, the barriers will be removed and two-way traffic allowed back onto the structure. It will be opened with a clearly signed weight restriction implemented under a Traffic Regulation Order.
The bridge remains classified as a weak structure and no exceptions will be permitted, Westmorland and Furness Council said.
The reopening of Underbarrow Bridge follows Brigsteer Bridge, which reopened on January 31.
Both were closed, based on the findings of an independent specialist report which identified structural concerns.
The report, built 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 council will now focus on further refining the assessment process to determine if the three tonne weight limits enforced on the bridges can be improved upon.
Longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area will also be considered through a feasibility study, the authority added.
Drivers of vehicles exceeding three tonnes must follow an alternative route. Violating the weight restriction will not only put other road users at risk, but may result in prosecution and fines, the council said.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it will continue working closely with Cumbria police to monitor and enforce the restrictions which are being introduced, it said, to protect the safety of the public.
