Restricted Kendal bridges to welcome even more vehicles from today (Thursday 27 February 2025) as weight limits are raised to 7.5 tonnes.
Following the reopening of Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges under a 3-tonne weight limit earlier this month, Westmorland and Furness Council, in collaboration with leading expert consultants, WSP and Jacobs, has further refined assessments confirming that restrictions can be eased.
The new weight limits on Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges will take effect at 12 noon, with clear signage in place.
The council’s consultants have confirmed that no further refinements are possible, and the structures must permanently remain at a 7.5 tonne limit. As the bridge is classified as a weak structure, no exceptions to the weight limit will be permitted.
Detailed investigations have also confirmed there are no signs of significant deterioration on both bridges following the council’s ongoing safety assessments and maintenance. The required weight limits are due to a design issue with half-joint, post-tensioned structures undertaken in the 1960s; a problem seen nationally.
Westmorland and Furness Council remains committed to exploring long-term solutions to restore and enhance access in the area and will commission a feasibility study to assess further options.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said: “Raising the weight limit to 7.5 tonnes will greatly improve access for our local communities, allowing most vehicles to use the Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges to reach surrounding areas. Achieving this goal is a significant milestone, made possible by the expertise of our bridges and structures team alongside leading consultations, who have ensured that safety remains the top priority throughout this essential process.
"While this new weight limit enhances access, it is crucial to remember that the bridges will permanently remain classified as weak structures, and no exceptions to the weight limit will be allowed. We remain committed to our providing safer and more efficient routes for both local residents and businesses, and will explore long-term solutions to improve access and infrastructure across the area.
“Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges highlight the challenge of maintaining our aging infrastructure and the numerous historic concrete and masonry structures across our area. Many of these are listed and require specialist, costly heritage methods and materials for preservation and are under a weight limit to ensure safety. While we continue to monitor and maintain these structures, delivering permanent solutions will require significant funding commitments from the government."
A thorough and rigorous process has been followed to further analyse the initial findings and achieve this positive outcome. It been essential in precisely determining the structural composition of the bridges, ensuring all decisions are based on comprehensive technical data.
To maintain national safety standards for structures of this type, both consultants needed reach a consensus on the findings, ensuring final weight limits are fully compliant with established statutory codes of practice which prioritise safety.
Calum Galloway, Deputy Regional Director at WSP said: "Ensuring the long-term safety and accessibility of Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges has been our top priority. Through testing survey works and detailed structural analysis, we have worked closely with Westmorland and Furness Council and their independent checkers to confirm that the weight limit can be safely increased to 7.5 tonnes. This provides a significant improvement in connectivity for local communities, while maintaining the highest safety standards."
Drivers of vehicles exceeding the 7.5-tonne gross weight must continue using alternative routes to comply with the law and ensure the safety of other road users. Violating these restrictions may lead to prosecution or fines, with enforcement carried out by Cumbria Police.
Now the final weight limit has been determined, the Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridges Newsletter will be issued when further updates are available on the planned feasibility study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it be possible to further improve the weight limit on the bridges?
Our contractors have confirmed that no further improvements are possible, and the structures must permanently remain at a 7.5-tonne limit.
As the bridge is classified as a weak structure, no exceptions to the weight limit will be permitted.
How will we ensure the 7.5 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 7.5 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 alternative routes remain suitable for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes?
Alternative routes for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes that are unable to use the bridges will indicated on signage. As for all roads across Westmorland and Furness, they will continue to be maintained.
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?
Now our assessments have confirmed the bridges have reached their maximum load capacity at 7.5 tonnes, our work has started to further investigate longer term options detailed in our October 2024 Brigsteer and Underbarrow Bridge Closures Newsletter.
This will be conducted through a commissioned feasibility which could potentially include junction improvements at these locations where they cross the A591.
