Kendal bridge closes for five days after June crash damage

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 12 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

Nether Bridge in Kendal is closing for up to five days from Monday to rebuild a 10-metre section of its southern parapet wall damaged in a traffic incident in June.

Nether Bridge in Kendal, a historic monument spanning the River Kent, is closing to all vehicles from Monday, October 12 for up to five days. The closure allows engineers to rebuild a 10-metre section of the southern parapet wall, which was demolished when a car struck the bridge in June. A man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to provide a roadside breath test after the incident. Repairs will use the original stonework recovered from the river, supplemented by locally sourced stone where necessary, and will employ traditional lime mortar to preserve the bridge's character. The closure has already caused significant traffic delays across Kendal town centre, with queues reported on Aynam Road and Parkside Road. The bridge cannot remain partially open due to the complexity and safety risks of the works and limited space available; the site requires vehicles, access equipment, an underbridge unit, masonry materials and mixing equipment. A signed diversion directs traffic via Romney Bridge and Milnthorpe Road. Additional signage prevents HGVs from using Parkside Road because of the 13ft 3in height restriction at the railway bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists can continue to cross via the northern footway. Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said the measures are necessary to ensure safety for the workforce, bridge users and the travelling public. The council previously indicated full repairs could take 'a number of months'.

How it is being reported

• Ancient bridge to close for five days for repairsWork is being carried out on the Kendal bridge's parapet, which was hit by a car in June.BBC Cumbria · 12 Oct, 12:05
• Major delays across Kendal as bridge closes for five daysThe closure of Nether Bridge in Kendal for repair works today (Monday, October 12) has caused long queues throughout the town centre.Westmorland Gazette · 12 Oct, 09:40
• Bridge to close from tomorrow for up to five days for repairs after crashNether Bridge in Kendal will close to vehicles for up to five days from Monday, October 12 as a 10-metre wall is rebuilt after a traffic incident in June.Westmorland Gazette · 11 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Nether Bridge · Kendal · River Kent · Westmorland and Furness Council · Councillor Peter Thornton

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