A BRIDGE that has been closed since the December storms will reopen tonight.

Eamont Bridge, near Penrith, was badly damaged during Storm Desmond and has been undergoing repairs.

It is due to open at 9pm, ahead of schedule.

Those living in the surrounding area have faced lengthy detours to travel short distances, trips which previously took minutes.

Cumbria County Council has been planning the repairs for some time but had to wait until water levels dropped.

Only when it was deemed safe were contractors able to start on site.

A spokesman said that the work was expected to take up to five weeks, dependent on the weather. 

But thanks to the recent dry spell, contractor Metcalfe was able to progress more quickly than expected.

The reopening follows the opening of a temporary road bridge to replace the ancient structure at Pooley Bridge on Sunday.

The A592 Ullswater road has also undergone repairs.