Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth to reopen to traffic later this week

Once reopened, Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth will provide two-way traffic and will be managed by traffic lights. It will provide full access over the bridge which currently is restricted to pedestrians only.

Work will get underway tomorrow morning (December 13) to construct a five-metre-high scaffold screening on the side of the bridge to protect it from debris if there was a further collapse to the Old Courthouse building.

The work has been commissioned by Cumberland Council and will be undertaken by their specialist highways engineers. It is scheduled to take two days and is weather dependent.

Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “We have found a safe way to reopen the bridge and our officers and partners have been working hard behind the scenes to make this happen.

"The safety of bridge users is of paramount importance and the scaffold screening will allow us to reopen the road to vehicles.

“We have undertaken detailed assessments, commissioned external specialist support and looked at various options to safely reopen the bridge.

"Now that a plan is in place, we will start work as soon as possible and will work hard to get the road reopened.

“We would like to thank residents for their continued support to local businesses. Please continue to shop and buy local.”

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 the bridge, all other traffic restrictions will be removed following the completion of the works.

The council’s Taste Cumbria event - held last weekend (December 9 and 10) - 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.

The council said that 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 discharges into the River Derwent which is a 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.