Work on the new Appleby Flood Risk Management Scheme is continuing ahead of schedule.
Construction to install the drive shaft in Chapel Street is now complete, the Environment Agency said.
The agency and its contractors VolkerStevin are preparing to start tunnelling work, which means phase two of traffic management will be brought forward to April 22.
Traffic flow has resumed as normal along Chapel Street and parking bays will be retained wherever possible. Low Wiend will return to its usual arrangement.
From April 22, Holme Street will be reduced to one lane to allow for the micro tunnelling connection from Chapel Street to Holme Street.
A two-way traffic light system will manage traffic on Holme Street, and this arrangement will remain in place until the work is completed, which is expected to take around 12 weeks.
Pedestrian access to properties and businesses will be maintained during this time.
Environment Agency project manager for Appleby Flood Risk Management Scheme, Ross McKeown, said: “Our team have been able to complete the initial drilling work on Chapel Street earlier than anticipated, which means we have been able to reopen Chapel Street slightly earlier than expected and start on the next phase of traffic management to facilitate the upcoming tunnelling work.
“We will continue to provide updates on the progress of this work, and all future work, in due course.
“When completed, the scheme which will better protect 64 properties and infrastructure from flooding, including road access to homes and businesses.”
