CARLISLE'S Victoria Viaduct is to finally reopen tomorrow after nearly two months out of action.

The road running over the railway track and into the centre of town has been closed since May 1, after contractors identified loose masonry on the former Central Plaza Hotel.

Its closure has wreaked havoc on local business and has led to traffic complications for motorists travelling around the town.

Several stores on the road have been forced to close, with the Tesco Metro only re-opening last week.

B&M, the two bed centres on Victoria Viaduct and Laser Quest on Bush Brow - have all been unable to open for weeks.

But now, Carlisle City Council has revealed that work on the site will be completed at 9pm tomorrow, with the Viaduct Road and West Walls opening again soon after.

The council confirmed that all hoardings have now been removed from the buildings next to the Central Plaza and that the improvements to the scaffolding have now been completed.

Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “All the hoardings have been removed from buildings adjacent to the Central Plaza and the improvements to the scaffolding will be completed tomorrow (Wednesday June 27).

“The contractors working on the site have confirmed that all the work that fronts both Victoria Viaduct and West Walls will be completed by 9pm on Wednesday June 27.

"Cumbria County Council’s Highways team has been notified and will reopen both the Viaduct Road and West Walls soon after.

"The footpaths over the Viaduct and West Walls will also reopen, other than a section of footpath in front of the Central Plaza building.

"This will remain closed following a recommendation from the specialist structural engineer.

“Work will continue on site within the confines of the scaffold for several more days but this should not impact on the highway or pedestrians.

This will include bricking up windows and further work on one of the chimneys.”

Read all about the story in tomorrow's News & Star.