Go-ahead for replacement bridge over River Derwent in Cumbria
Replacement bridge over the River Derwent at Workington agreed.
A replacement bridge over the River Derwent at Workington in Cumbria was today given the final go-ahead by Local Transport Minister Norman Baker.
The Department for Transport has confirmed it will provide £11.17 million towards the new permanent road vehicle bridge to replace the collapsed Northside Bridge which was lost in the November 2009 floods in Cumbria.
This replacement crossing will replace the current temporary two-way traffic bridge and will provide a permanent structure to complete the reconnection of the vital highway link across the River Derwent.
Norman Baker said:
When I visited Cumbria earlier this year, I saw first hand the devastation that the November 2009 floods caused to the area. I also saw the progress which has been made in ensuring that Cumbria’s transport infrastructure is replaced. I was very impressed by the commitment shown by everyone involved.
I am delighted to announce the department has agreed to provide funding of over £11 million for Cumbria to build a new multi-million pound crossing of the River Derwent in Workington after the old Northside Bridge was destroyed in the floods of November 2009.
The new bridge will bring long-term benefits for all those travelling in the area and will connect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists onto the existing road network. This is good news for all concerned and is another step in restoring the infrastructure for the town of Workington and further afield in other damaged areas of the county.
Today’s (29 June 2011) announcement means that Cumbria County Council can now award the contract for the construction works. It is expected work could start as early as July 2011 and is expected to be complete in spring 2012.
Further information
The funding being announced today is the latest measure in a package of support provided by the Department for Transport to help Cumbria recover from the devastation caused by the flooding in 2009.
The government will continue to work with Cumbria County Council in relation to the rebuilding of its flood damaged infrastructure.
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