The Carlisle Southern Link Road project reached its first major milestone with the installation of a new temporary bridge.

Cumberland Council commenced the £212 million project in June, in partnership with Galliford Try Infrastructure.

Despite facing challenging conditions over the last six months, the team has been making steady progress.

A newly installed 124-tonne temporary bridge over the River Caldew will allow contractors to work between the railway and the river.

This temporary link enables works on the much larger and permanent 'Caldew Crossing' structure to progress.

Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, hailed the collaborative effort that led to this achievement.

She said: "This week marks an important step in the Carlisle Southern Link Road project.

"The project will vastly improve east to west connectivity as well as unlocking the delivery of the St. Cuthbert’s Garden Village that will deliver 10,000 new homes over the next 30 years and bring employment opportunities and significant benefits to the city and the wider county.

“I’m incredibly proud to see the first major milestone which has been delivered safely and in a collaborative and integrated manner with all partners involved.”

The 8km stretch of new road will link Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West.

It will offer four new roundabouts, four new road bridges, a bike and pedestrian path along the northern side, and four fresh shared-use over bridges.

Completion in the summer of 2025 is expected to attract businesses, reduce congestion, create an infrastructural foundation for residences and community facilities, and boost economic growth for Carlisle.