The content in this article was issued prior to the reopening of Underbarrow Bridge on Friday 14 February at 1:30pm.
Council restores links across the A591 as Underbarrow Bridge confirmed to safely reopen to pedestrians, cyclists and select vehicles from 4pm on Friday 14 February 2025.
Complex analysis and intrusive investigations have now completed, confirming the bridge can safely support vehicles weighing up to a gross weight of 3 tonnes, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
Tomorrow, the barriers will be removed and two-way traffic allowed back onto the structure. It will be opened with a clearly signed weight restriction implemented under a Traffic Regulation Order.
As the bridge remains classified as a weak structure, no exceptions will be permitted.
The reopening of Underbarrow Bridge follows shortly after Brigsteer, both of which were closed in June 2024 based on the findings of an independent specialist report which identified structural concerns. The report, built on available data from the 1970s, classified the bridges as unsafe and unable to support any applied load, requiring immediate closure for further investigations.
The council will now focus on further refining the assessment process to determine if the 3 tonne weight limits enforced on the bridges can be improved upon.
Longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area will also be considered through a feasibility study.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT said: “From Friday at 4pm, both Brigsteer Bridge and Underbarrow Bridge will be open, successfully restoring vital connections for our communities.
“We know how important these routes are for residents, businesses, and visitors, and I want to thank those living in Underbarrow, Brigsteer and Kendal for their patience as we worked to complete the initial assessments of their local bridge.
“Now we have achieved our immediate priority of reopening the bridges at the earliest opportunity, our focus now shifts to exploring whether the restrictions can be improved. We are also considering the long-term future for these bridges through a feasibility study which aims to deliver on our commitment to establish safe, sustainable, and reliable connections at the bridge sites.”
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.
Westmorland and Furness Council will continue 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.
Read frequently asked questions on the reopening of Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges.
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 and Underbarrow Bridges 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 enabled us to deliver a more streamlined assessment of Underbarrow.
Will Underbarrow bridge open and if so, what will the restrictions be?
Structural assessment and checks for Underbarrow Bridge are now complete. From Friday 14 February, the bridge will be open under a 3 tonne weight limit, pedestrians, vehicles and equestrians.
Will the weight limit on Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges be able to take greater weight in the future?
Our focus was to open Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges as soon as possible to ensure links were restored across the A591.
Now initial assessments and checks are complete, the council and its consultants will continue to refine the assessment process to explore whether the 3 tonne gross weight limit can be improved.
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 and/or Underbarrow Bridge(s), 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 or Underbarrow Bridges 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.
