INVESTIGATION work has confirmed the A591 can safely remain open despite two bridge closures.

The A591 was closed overnight earlier this month to allow for the Westmorland and Furness Council to safely undertake monitoring of the Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges.

Both bridges were opened up, filler material to the half-joints above the bridge decks partially removed and a borescope inserted into the half-joints to view the condition of the hidden concrete surfaces.

This investigation work confirmed the A591 can safely remain open. It has also provided valuable information which is now being incorporated into the council's further analysis of the bridges. 

Monitoring will continue throughout the closure period to ensure the safety of road users travelling on the A591. It is anticipated the next phase will be conducted in September 2024.

The decision to close Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges on June 12 was based on the findings of a specialist report conducted by independent experts Jacobs as part of Westmorland and Furness Council's ongoing safety assessments.

READ MORE: Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges over the A591 to close

The report found structural concerns, requiring the council to remove all applied load from the bridges including all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. 

A spokesperson for the council said: "Nothing in our past maintenance regime is likely to have prevented the need to close these bridges. The structural concerns relate to the design of the bridge, not their maintenance."

The council's consultant WSP completed a Peer Review of Jacob’s assessment report of the half-joints of the Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges that was issued at the end of July.

The Peer Review did not identify any major flaws in Jacob’s assessment or approach. 

This confirmed that Westmorland and Furness Council acted appropriately in closing both bridges and, as recommended in Jacobs report, that further assessments, or remedial works, should be conducted to establish the bridges are safe.

It has been agreed that WSP continues with further assessments of the half-joints to explore the possibility of reopening the bridges under a weight restriction in the short term.

Continued vandalism of the road closures signage and fencing was reported to Cumbria Police.

The fencing has been damaged beyond reuse, requiring replacements to be purchased.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "We appreciate that these closures, and the diversions, are causing inconvenience for local residents, communities, businesses and road users, however vandalism of our road closure fencing, that is there to keep you safe, is not the answer."

You can continue raising queries directly to the team by calling the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306 or by submitting an inquiry on the highways online reporting form found at westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.