Permanent repair work has begun today on a Sebergham embankment initially damaged in Storm Desmond.
Contractors have started at the Bell Lonning embankment, securing the area following storm damage and preparing it for long-term resilience and safety.
Initial damage was caused by Storm Desmond in 2015 and then the road suffered further erosion in January 2024. It was closed to protect public safety.
Temporary stabilisation work was completed in May last year, and since then, a permanent, long-term solution has been designed and planned, Cumberland Council said.
Over the past year, the council said it had worked with partners to design the solution, procure a contractor, gain the necessary consents, and prepare materials ahead of the designated in-river working period. The work will be delivered by Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd.
The work will be delivered in two phases:
- Phase one, which begun today, will last for around five weeks, depending on weather and river conditions.
It will include permanent stabilisation of the embankment and other key structural work. During this time, the road will remain closed to vehicles, but access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Phase two will take place during the winter months, lasting up to three weeks, and will focus on installing willow spilling, a natural method of reinforcing riverbanks using live willow to improve long-term environmental resilience. A second road closure will be necessary during this short period, the authority said.
Cumberland councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “To now be in a position to deliver these permanent repairs is incredibly positive and marks real progress.
“This work is about more than just rebuilding, it’s about restoring vital links for rural residents, protecting our roads for the future, and ensuring that we’re more resilient to future weather events.”
