Victoria Viaduct reopens to pedestrians after two months
One of the main routes through Carlisle city centre has reopened to pedestrians after two months shut.
Victoria Viaduct had been closed on safety grounds because of the dangerous state of the former Central Plaza hotel.
The building, which has been apart of the city's skyline for more than 100 years, has now been fully demolished.
Carlisle City Council say the road will remain off limits to vehicles while rubble continues to be cleared from the site.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the council said: "Following the demolition of the Central Plaza building, ahead of schedule, we have now been advised by Cumbria County Council’s highways team that they will be reopening the footpaths across Victoria Viaduct from 4pm today (Monday 23 December 2019)."
“The roads will remain closed to vehicles as work continues on the site clearance. This is expected to take several weeks and is weather dependent.
“The work be completed as quickly and safely as possible. Contractors will continue to work over the Christmas period, except for Bank Holidays. We will keep you informed of progress.
“The road closures and diversions have been put in place by Cumbria County Council’s highways team. If you have any highway enquiries and queries, please contact Cumbria County Council Highway’s Hotline on 0300 303 2992 or email highways@cumbria.gov.uk”
An estimate of around 8,000 tonnes of rubble was removed from the site which is still under 24-hour security.
Read more about the Central Plaza Hotel's history :