A new opening date for a bridge damaged by Storm Desmond has been revealed.
A Cumbria County Council spokesman said it intends to open the new road link at Pooley Bridge this autumn after the impact of the coronavirus pandemic forced the project to miss its June deadline.
Work will get under way to secure the new road connection at Pooley Bridge following a successful operation in May to push the current bridge structure across the River Eamont.
Cumbria County Council had expected to open the bridge at the end of July, with the remainder of the construction being completed at night or under road closures.
“With the bridge open to traffic, this would have allowed local businesses to take full advantage of summer tourist season,” said the spokesman.
“The new bridge’s latest planned construction deadline is now at the end of October, 2020, based on consultation and safety.”
The new bridge, designed by Eric Wright Civil Engineering, will be the first stainless steel bridge in the UK and will replace a historic structure over the River Eamont which Storm Desmond demolished in December, 2015.
Some businesses have closed their doors since Storm Desmond hit, but Leela James, who works at the Pooley Bridge post office, said: “Finally we are seeing people return to the area but we all can’t wait for the bridge to open again.”
During the storm the foundation at Pooley Bridge was swept away by floodwater — effectively cutting the village off from the south.
