The B6259 at Hazelgill, Mallerstang will be closed for six weeks for essential works to repair a damaged riverbank and make the route more resilient during winter weather.
A section of river embankment that supports the B6259 has been affected by ongoing river erosion, with recent land slippage impacting road safety and requiring the route to operate under traffic lights.
From Monday 22 July to Tuesday 3 September, Westmorland and Furness Highways will carry out works to stabilise the riverbank, install erosion prevention measures and deliver carriageway improvements that will fully open the route.
The works programme will see soil nails and gabion baskets installed to secure the riverbank, with sheet piles and rock armour at the base of the slope to prevent further erosion. The route will also be made more resilient through improvements to the current surface water drainage system and the full width of the carriageway will be resurfaced.
Due to the size of the equipment required to undertake these works, passage for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will be prohibited through the site during the closure period. All road users will be required to follow a signed diversion route via the A685 Kirkby Stephen, A683 Sedbergh and A684 to the junction of B6259.
Emergency services have been informed of the closure and diversion details. Postal and refuse services have also been consulted regarding the arrangements to ensure services are not impacted.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets said: "The B6259 at Hazelgill, Mallerstang has been under traffic light control for 18 months to keep the road functioning safely for the local community while we worked to establish a solution for this issue.
“It is good news these essential safety works have now been confirmed to start on Monday 22 July that will not only prevent further land slippage, but make the route more resilient by improving the surface water drainage and resurfacing of carriageway.
“We understand the closure will be frustrating for those who use the road regularly, however the safety of our communities and our contractors working to get the route fully open is our top priority. We kindly ask road users to respect the closure that is there to protect your safety, and follow the signed diversion route so works can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Works have been planned to take place within the Environment Agency working window for ‘in river’ working and to coincide with the start of the school summer holiday period.
To view the diversion route, please visit the One Network Map on Westmorland and Furness Council's website.
Residents can submit an enquiry regarding the road closure on the council’s highways online reporting form or by calling the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306.