Cumbria Bridges Face Closure Over Safety Fears

Westmorland and Furness Council has applied for government funding to replace two bridges, Brigsteer and Underbarrow, near Kendal. These bridges were initially closed in June 2024 because of structural concerns.

Following their reopening with a 7.5-tonne weight restriction in February 2025, a 13-day monitoring period revealed numerous heavy goods vehicles using them. This led to the implementation of a 6ft 6in (2m) width restriction and a 20mph (32km/h) speed limit.

The council also took urgent protective measures against potential collapse, as lorries weighing up to 40 tonnes were observed crossing. Almost 30 weight breaches were recorded.

An announcement on the funding application from the government's Structures Fund is anticipated this autumn. If approved, significant work will be required to assess and design suitable replacement bridges before construction begins.