Brigsteer Bridge will safely reopen to pedestrians, cyclists and select vehicles on Friday 31 January from 4pm.
As part of the Council's ongoing safety assessments, an independent specialist report identified structural concerns with Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges in June 2024. The report, based on available data from the 1970s, classified the bridges as unsafe and unable to support any applied load, requiring immediate closure for further investigations.
By working together with experts from WSP and Jacobs, the Council’s complex analysis and intrusive investigations have successfully confirmed the bridge can safely support vehicles weighing up to 3 tonnes, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
From Friday 31 January at 4pm, the barriers closing Brigsteer Bridge will be removed and two-way traffic allowed back onto the structure.
A clearly signed weight restriction will be implemented under a Traffic Regulation Order. As the bridge remains classified as a weak structure, no exceptions will be permitted.
Drivers of vehicles exceeding 3 tonnes must follow an alternative route. Violating the weight restriction will not only put other road users at risk, but may result in prosecution and fines.
Ongoing investigations will assess whether it is possible to further improve the weight limit on Brigsteer Bridge however, based on current findings, the bridge will remain subject to the 3 tonne limit.
The Council is continuing its structural assessments and checks for Underbarrow Bridge, with the aim of reopening it under a weight restriction once it is confirmed to be safe.
Longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area are also being considered through a feasibility study.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT said: “I am pleased that Brigsteer Bridge will soon reopen, restoring an essential connection for our local residents who have felt the impact of its closure.
“Through working together with national experts at WSP and Jacobs, we have conducted thorough analysis, assessments, and intrusive investigations that have confirmed Brigsteer Bridge is safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and some vehicles to use with confidence. We have pushed for a solution which addresses key concerns of our communities and from Friday, people will be able to use the bridge to access hospital appointments, enjoy local restaurants and visit popular walking routes.
“We understand that the weight restriction for vehicles over 3 tonnes will be disappointing for some drivers. However, this measure is vital to ensure safety at this stage.
“We remain committed to completing the assessment of Underbarrow Bridge with the aim of reopening it and once complete, will investigate whether Brigsteer’s weight limit can be improved. Our priority remains delivering a safe and sustainable future for both bridges, and we will continue to explore long-term solutions.”
Westmorland and Furness Council will be working closely with Cumbria Police to monitor and enforce these restrictions which are being introduced to protect the safety of the public.
Progress updates will continue to be shared to subscribers of the Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges newsletter, on the Council’s social media pages and at monthly meetings with local Parish and Town Councils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pedestrians and cyclists access the bridge?
Yes, both pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians can access Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridge safely.
Why can Brigsteer Bridge take vehicle weight now when the initial assessment showed it to be unsafe?
The findings of the initial reports were informed by 1970s records held on the design of Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges. Based on the data from these records, both bridges could not safely take any applied load and were classified as unsafe structures requiring immediate closure.
Intrusive investigations and more complex assessment analysis undertaken by leading experts has provided us with an enhanced understanding of the details of the bridge and how it acts when load is applied. This established Brigsteer Bridge can safely hold vehicles of up to 3 tonnes gross weight, pedestrians and cyclists.
Why did you complete the Brigsteer Bridge inspection first?
The Brigsteer Bridge was prioritised due to its more complex technical parameters. Resolving these complexities first is enabling us to deliver a more streamlined assessment of Underbarrow.
Will Underbarrow bridge open and if so, what will the restrictions be?
We are still progressing our structural assessment and checks for Underbarrow Bridge and cannot, at this stage, confirm what measures will be in place.
It is our hope we will be able to introduce similar measures in near future should this be proved to be appropriate by the assessment process.
Will the weight limit on Brigsteer Bridge be able to take greater weight in the future?
Our focus was to open Brigsteer Bridge based on the outcome of our latest assessment.
Following the completion of the Underbarrow assessments and checks, the council and its consultants will continue to refine the assessment process to explore whether the 3 tonne gross weight limit can be improved in the future.
How will we ensure the 3 tonne weight limit will be enforced?
Cumbria Police are responsible for enforcing the weight limit which is legally in place under a Traffic Regulation Order.
We will be working closely with Cumbria Police to monitor and enforce these restrictions which are being introduced to protect the safety of the public.
How do I check the weight of my vehicle?
The maximum permitted gross and the axle weights of your vehicle can be found listed on 'plates', which must be fitted to all vehicles and certain trailers.
These will either be a manufacturer's plate or a Department of Transport plate and are usually located either in the cabin or under the bonnet of vehicles or on the chassis of trailers. The weights are given in metric units of kilograms (kg).
I have seen a vehicle over the three tonne weight limit travel over Brigsteer Bridge, where can I report it?
If it is safe to do so, capture a picture of the vehicle and their number plate. Then contact Cumbria Police on 101.
If you live on the approach to Brigsteer Bridge and you have a CCTV or doorbell camera, it may capture drivers of vehicles over 3 tonnes breaching the restriction You can help Cumbria Police accelerate their investigations by registering your camera.
What are you doing to ensure the alternative route remains suitable for vehicles over 3 tonnes?
An alternative route for vehicles that are unable to use the bridges will indicated on signage. The roads used for the previous closure diversion will continue to be maintained, including a further project to install additional road markings at key locations.
If you would like to report a problem on the diversion route please use the highways online reporting form.
When will a long term solution be considered?
We are also considering longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area through a feasibility study.
