Esk Bridge to remain closed to HGVs while 'listed structure is assessed'
Cumbria County Council have said that there is no confirmed timescale for repairs to the Esk Bridge at Longtown.
The bridge is on the A7 and is one of the main cross-border routes in the region. It is currently closed to heavy goods vehicles after an accident on the 16 January which knocked part of the structure into the river. Whilst the bridge is now open to cars, large vehicles are still being diverted on the M6.
The same bridge in the town had to be shut on safety grounds after the road collapsed in September 2019.
In a statement, the council said:
"Following an incident in Longtown that damaged Esk Bridge, the county council is working with our Highway Maintenance Contractor, Connect Roads, to assess this listed structure and develop a programme for the repairs.
"Works are ongoing to establish the extent of the damage and the method of repair which involves liaison with a number of partners.
"Our first priority is the safety of the travelling public and now that the site has been made safe further arrangements are now being put in place to support public transport in the area which we know is vital for the local community in Longtown and the Border region.
"Due to the nature of the damage and its location, HGV’s remain rerouted via the M6 diversion route.
"We thank the public for their patience and advise to allow extra time for your journey if you are travelling in the area.
More details regarding the repair works schedule will be confirmed and issued in due course."
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