Cumberland Council is proud to announce the official opening of Stoneraise Bridge, a new bridge forming a key part of the wider Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project.
The new bridge crosses over the new Carlisle Southern link Road just South of Durdar and provides a link between communities to the South of the new route such as Ivegill and Carlisle. The name Stoneraise Bridge was chosen by the pupils of Stoneraise Primary School after an in-depth exploration into the area’s local heritage. During their research, including a visit to the Carlisle Archive Centre, pupils discovered that the land surrounding the school and bridge was historically referred to as Stoney Raise or Stony Raise – a name originating from the many stones raised from the fields by farmers during ploughing. The school's name itself, and its presence in the community since 1874, further strengthened the connection. Children from across all year groups contributed suggestions for the bridge name, considering everything from local historical figures to modern day infrastructure.
The project team has worked with Stoneraise School across several activities during the project. We had a Q&A session with their School Council, we support and attend the School Summer Galas, we had some students visit the site, and we worked with the students on some road safety signs for the school help us have conversations with them around road safety and local history.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places at Cumberland Council, commented:
“This bridge is a symbol of how meaningful community engagement can shape our public spaces. We’re proud to have worked so closely with Stoneraise Primary School, and it’s fitting that the bridge now bears a name rooted in local identity and pride.”
Stoneraise Bridge will provide great access for students and their families travelling to and from Stoneraise School, while also providing a safe, convenient route for people heading south away from Carlisle. As a vital part of the Carlisle Southern Link Road, the bridge plays a key role in enabling the development of St Cuthberts Garden Village, easing congestion in Carlisle and the surrounding area, boosting local economic growth, and improving transport links across the wider region.
The bridge is now officially open to the public.