The Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth has reopened to traffic this morning (Friday 15 December).
The bridge was closed to vehicles following the partial collapse of the adjacent Old Courthouse building.
Work has been completed on a five-metre-high scaffold screening on the side of the bridge.
Traffic is being controlled by traffic lights on either side of the bridge. They will be manually controlled during term time (Monday to Friday) between 8am - 10am and 2pm - 4pm each day. Pedestrian access across the bridge will also be maintained.
Work on the screening started on Tuesday (12 December).
The work was commissioned by Cumberland Council and was undertaken by their specialist highways engineers.
Cumberland Council spokesperson said:
“Following the successful installation of the screening, the Cocker Bridge has now reopened to vehicles. Pedestrian access has been maintained too.
“The safety of bridge users is of paramount importance and the scaffold screening has allowed us to reopen the road to traffic.
“We would like to thank residents for their continued support to local businesses. Please continue to shop and buy local.”
William Moore, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said:
"It is fabulous to see that Cocker Bridge is open to traffic. We know this is the news that our businesses and residents have been waiting for.
"The Chamber has been in regular discussions with the teams at Cumberland Council and they've kept us in the loop throughout the multi-agency and safety processes that they have needed to follow to get to this stage. Now our members can focus on Christmas, see even more footfall though town, and the Chamber can continue spreading the word about what a great place Cockermouth is to eat, drink, shop and explore - without a road closure to hamper the festive fun!"
The Cocker bridge was closed to traffic following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse building. Although the building is privately owned, the council used emergency powers to protect public safety. They initially installed a covered walkway, soon after the building collapse which continues to provide pedestrian access into the town.
Other than two-way lights on either side of the bridge, all other traffic restrictions will be removed following the completion of the works.
The council’s Taste Cumbria event - held last weekend (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December) - attracted thousands of visitors to the town. It was positioned close to the bridge as a means of supporting local traders.
Agencies - including Natural England, Historic England, the Environment Agency and Cumberland Council - are continuing to assess options for the Old Courthouse site.
It is highly complex and a series of issues impact on the options available:
- The site is in private ownership.
- The site is land locked, access to allow any works to be undertaken is challenging.
- The building is Grade II listed and any further works is required to be minimal to protect the fabric of the historic building.
- The River Cocker, adjacent to the site, is part of the River Derwent and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest.
- The impact on waste flows and the protection of flood defences needs careful consideration.
- Any works need to minimise pollution from any debris.