A MAJOR bridge in Cumbria is set to reopen following £480,000 improvement work being completed, ahead of schedule. 

Cumbria County Council is pleased to announce that Langwathby Bridge on the A686, will be opening today (August 26). 

The county council has invested £480,000 to improve the condition of Langwathby Bridge and the road surface through the village.

Work started on July 25 and was expected to last 8 weeks, finishing in mid-September; however, the work has been completed several weeks ahead of schedule.

The works comprised of a full depth reconstruction of the road foundations from the bridge, resurfacing from the bridge to the junction of the B6412 Culgaith and works that resolved the long-standing issues with the bridge deck.

Cumbria County Council is pleased to announce that Langwathby Bridge on the A686, will be opening today (Friday 26 August), ahead of schedule.

The county council has invested £480,000 to improve the condition of Langwathby Bridge and the road surface through the village.

Work started on 25 July and was due to be finalised in mid-September; however, the work has been completed several weeks ahead of schedule.

The works comprised of a full depth reconstruction of the road foundations from the bridge, resurfacing from the bridge to the junction of the B6412 Culgaith and works that resolved the long-standing issues with the bridge deck.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: "This is fantastic news for the residents and businesses in Langthwaby. The county council have invested £480,000 to improve the bridge and the road surface in the village and we hope that these improvements will last for many years to come.

"I would like to thank the residents, businesses and visitors for their support and patience while this work was taking place, and also the Highways Team for keeping these roads works on track, and successfully finalising the works earlier than planned," he said. 

Cllr Claire Driver, Cumbria County Councillor for Alston and East Fellside said: "The essential works on the bridge were planned to run in parallel with the road works through the village to avoid separate closures and disruption, which worked very well.  The progress the Highways Team has made is very impressive, which, we are grateful for.

"I would like to thank the community for their co-operation whilst this work was carried out.”

READ MORE: Langwathby Bridge set to close as it undergoes £480,000 improvement work