Nether Bridge in Kendal will close to all vehicles for up to five days from Monday 12 October while essential repairs are carried out to the historic crossing over the River Kent.
The closure will operate around the clock. Westmorland and Furness Council says the work is needed to reconstruct a 10-metre section of the southern parapet wall, which was demolished during a traffic incident in June.
What the closure means for drivers
Vehicles will not be able to use the bridge during the repairs because the restricted site cannot safely accommodate a live traffic lane. Contractors need most of the carriageway for site vehicles, bridge-access equipment, an underbridge unit, masonry materials and mixing equipment.
A signed diversion will take traffic via Romney Bridge and Milnthorpe Road. Extra signs will warn HGV drivers not to use Parkside Road, where a railway bridge has a height restriction of 13 feet 3 inches.
The council has not given a precise reopening time, but says the closure will last for a maximum of five days. Residents and road users are advised to check the current roadworks map for information about this and other Cumbrian closures.
Pedestrian and cycling access
Nether Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists while the main construction takes place. Their access will be maintained along the designated northern footway.
However, the southern footway will need to remain closed for several weeks after the carriageway reopens. Covers will be installed to protect the repaired stonework while the traditional lime mortar cures, and those covers will obstruct the footway.
Why the work is being carried out this way
Nether Bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and crosses the River Kent, which is designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.
The repair method is designed to avoid scaffolding in the river channel. The works will be carried out from the bridge deck, avoiding environmental permitting delays that would otherwise push the project into the next allowable river-working window in summer 2027.
Where possible, recovered heritage stonework from the damaged section will be reused, with locally sourced stone added where required. Traditional lime mortar will be used to protect the bridge’s historic character. The October timing is intended to give the mortar enough time to cure before colder winter weather arrives.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: “We recognise that these works will cause some inconvenience to road users and local residents. However, these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the workforce, bridge users, and the travelling public while the repairs are undertaken.
“Our priority remains the safety of the public, contractors, and staff as we continue to maintain and protect our historic bridge assets and the wider highway network.”