Government supports Workington bridge project

Transport Minister Norman Baker has confirmed £11.17m will be put towards a replacement bridge to be built over the River Derwent at Workington in Cumbria.

The Department for Transport will provide funding towards the new permanent road vehicle bridge to replace the collapsed Northside Bridge which was lost in the floods in Cumbria during November 2009.

This replacement crossing will replace the current temporary two-way traffic bridge and will provide a permanent structure to complete the reconnection of the highway link across the River Derwent.

Baker said: "When I visited Cumbria earlier this year, I saw first hand the devastation that the November 2009 floods caused to the area. I also saw the progress which has been made in ensuring that Cumbria's transport infrastructure is replaced. I was very impressed by the commitment shown by everyone involved.

"The new bridge will bring long-term benefits for all those travelling in the area and will connect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists onto the existing road network. This is good news for all concerned and is another step in restoring the infrastructure for the town of Workington and further afield in other damaged areas of the county."

The announcement follows Cumbria County Council's appointment of Balfour Beatty to rebuild a bridge.

Work could start as early as July 2011 and is expected to be complete in spring 2012.