Bridges in South Cumbria are set to welcome more vehicles across them as their weight limit increases to 7.5 tonnes.
Following the reopening of Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges under a 3-tonne weight limit earlier this month, Westmorland and Furness Council, working with consultants WSP and Jacobs, has further refined assessments confirming that restrictions can be eased.
The new weight limits on Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges, which cross the A591, will take effect at noon, with signs in place.
The council’s consultants have confirmed that no further refinements are possible, and the structures must permanently remain at a 7.5 tonne limit.
As the bridge is classified as a weak structure, no exceptions to the weight limit will be permitted.
Detailed investigations have also confirmed there are no signs of significant deterioration on both bridges following the council’s ongoing safety assessments and maintenance.
The required weight limits are due to a design issue with half-joint, post-tensioned structures undertaken in the 1960s – a problem seen nationally, the council said.
It added it remained committed to exploring long-term solutions to restore and enhance access in the area and it would commission a feasibility study to assess further options.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for highways and ICT, said: “Achieving this goal is a significant milestone, made possible by the expertise of our bridges and structures team alongside leading consultations, who have ensured that safety remains the top priority throughout this essential process.
“While this new weight limit enhances access, it is crucial to remember that the bridges will permanently remain classified as weak structures, and no exceptions to the weight limit will be allowed.
“Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges highlight the challenge of maintaining our ageing infrastructure and the numerous historic concrete and masonry structures across our area.
“Many of these are listed and require specialist, costly heritage methods and materials for preservation and are under a weight limit to ensure safety. While we continue to monitor and maintain these structures, delivering permanent solutions will require significant funding commitments from the government.”
The council said a thorough and rigorous process had been followed to further analyse the initial findings and achieve this positive outcome. It been essential in precisely determining the structural composition of the bridges, ensuring all decisions are based on comprehensive technical data.
To maintain national safety standards for structures of this type, both consultants needed reach a consensus on the findings, ensuring final weight limits are fully compliant with established statutory codes of practice which prioritise safety.
Drivers of vehicles exceeding the 7.5-tonne gross weight must continue using alternative routes to comply with the law and ensure the safety of other road users. Violating these restrictions may lead to prosecution or fines, with enforcement carried out by Cumbria police.
