Up to three weeks of essential works are planned to repair and restore parts of the historic masonry of Lincolns Bridge on the A684.
Starting on Monday 7 April, restoration programme will require full closure of the Sedbergh bridge, 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of all road users and site crews.
The essential scheme will help preserve both the Grade II listed status and structural integrity of the bridge, which plays a vital role in the Westmorland and Furness highway network. It will include restoring the parapet walls and the supporting structure beneath, with several sections of the parapet wall being rebuilt.
The upcoming period of good weather will enable crews to complete heritage lime mortar work on the structure, as required by Historic England, ensuring materials will closely match the existing stonework.
While minor existing defects have been addressed through the council’s regular monitoring, this maintenance must be proactively carried out with no delay to prevent the risk of a longer, unexpected closure.
Due to the complexity of the reconstruction and the narrow width of the bridge, the road must remain closed 24 hours a day. This is to ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians, even outside of active working hours.
A short diversion, for use by light vehicles only, will be signed via the unrestricted sections of the A684, B6256 and A683. The alternative route for HGVs will be via the unrestricted sections of the A684, M6, A65 and A683.
Emergency services have been notified of the closure and diversion route.
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness Council said: “Regular inspections and investment in our historic bridge stock is essential to ensure they remain safe and accessible for all who use them. This maintenance package will help to ensure Lincolns Bridge in Sedbergh remains well-supported and can continue serving road users.
“We recognise the inconvenience this closure will have on road users, in particular HGVs, given its location on the A684 and appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Westmorland and Furness Council is responsible for 1,075 bridges across the area, many of which are historic listed structures and must be maintained using heritage methods and materials.
The works on Lincolns Bridge are being conducted as a part of an ongoing investment in maintaining structures including our bridges, culverts, sea walls, cattle grids and retaining walls.
For more information on the closure, please visit the road closures map on www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.