Victoria Bridge in Kendal is set to undergo works to help secure its future, by installing a concrete base with an invert underneath it. This will allow more water to flow beneath the bridge during periods of heavy rain, the BBC reported.
Known locally as ‘Batman bridge’ due to the shape of the cutouts in the metal railings, it had to undergo emergency repairs back in 2016 following the havoc wreaked by Storm Desmond.
Cumbria county council has said that the bridge will remain open during the work, which is expected to last until the autumn of this year.
The repairs are costing £740,000, which is being funded through the council’s Infrastructure Recovery Programme.
Speaking to the news provider, councillor Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, commented: “Victoria Bridge is a vital part of the road network in Kendal. It’s important these repair works are carried out to secure its long-term future.”
Although the bridge will remain open, there will be a lane closure on the Beezon Fields road, and Sandes Avenue car park will be closed for the duration of the works. An access ramp will be constructed from this space to allow the project to be carried out.
Another bridge that needs work to restore it is the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. The Chronicle Live reported that the council is making a new bid to obtain the £40 million required to make structural repairs and repaint the bridge.
The council has appealed to Transport for the North for help in securing the funding required to restore the crossing to its former glory.
As well as restoring the bridge, which is estimated to cost around £20 million, the money will be used to carry out significant maintenance along the length of the Central Motorway.
Cabinet member for transport and air quality councillor Arlene Ainsley said: “The Tyne Bridge is not only an iconic North East landmark, it is also a key gateway to our city and the wider region, which we are committed to preserving for future generations.”
Among the works that will be carried out should the funding come through will be steelwork repairs, stonework and masonry repairs, extensive repainting, waterproofing and bridge joint replacement.
The intention is to carry out these extensive repairs and prevent the need for spending and effort on ad hoc maintenance.
It’s been more than 20 years since the last bout of maintenance was carried out on the iconic crossing, with the newspaper noting that the paint used in that work is now 18 years passed its lifespan.
However, major roads director for Transport for the North Peter Molyneux hasn’t confirmed that the Tyne Bridge will be included in the latest bid. He said: “Transport for the North are working with partners across the north, including in the north east, to gather evidence and consider which schemes should be included in our pan-Northern Major Roads Network Bid.”
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