Council tenders for replacement bridge in Workington

Cumbria County Council has published a tender for a £10m construction contract for a permanent bridge to be built across the River Derwent.

The new bridge will cover 152 metres in length and will replace the Northside structure, which collapsed during the floods in November last year.

The council said the design is currently being developed and the replacement steel and concrete structure will reinstate vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist access to the existing highway network.

The A597 bridge in Workington was replaced temporarily by one built by the army, following the floods.

The collapse of the bridge tragically took the life of Police Constable Bill Barker, who was directing motorists off the bridge, sweeping him down river.

The council added that the bridge is to be constructed on a similar line to the previous structure, and is to be opened as early as possible and by May 2012.

The contract is due to start in May next year.

Deadline for submitting tenders is 10am on Thursday 23 December.

• For further details contact Abi Lindsay at the council on 01228 227 715 or email abi.lindsay@cumbriacc.gov.uk