Cocker Bridge reopens after Old Courthouse collapse
A decision on what to do about the building is still being discussed.
The Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth has reopened to traffic this morning (Friday 15 December).
The bridge was closed to vehicles following the partial collapse of the adjacent Old Courthouse building.
Work has been completed on a five-metre-high scaffold screening on the side of the bridge.
Traffic is being controlled by traffic lights on either side of the bridge.
They will be manually controlled during term time (Monday to Friday) between 8am - 10am and 2pm - 4pm each day.
Pedestrian access across the bridge will also be maintained.
Work on the screening started on Tuesday (12 December).
The work was commissioned by Cumberland Council and was undertaken by their specialist highways engineers.
A Cumberland Council spokesperson said:
“Following the successful installation of the screening, the Cocker Bridge has now reopened to vehicles. Pedestrian access has been maintained too.
“The safety of bridge users is of paramount importance and the scaffold screening has allowed us to reopen the road to traffic.
“We would like to thank residents for their continued support to local businesses. Please continue to shop and buy local.”
The Cocker bridge was closed to traffic following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse building.
Although the building is privately owned, the council used emergency powers to protect public safety.
Agencies - including Natural England, Historic England, the Environment Agency and Cumberland Council - are continuing to assess options for the Old Courthouse site.