Temporary bridges reconnect flood hit Cumbria

Thirlmere, Cumbria

Project Overview

Location	Thirlmere, Cumbria
Sector	Bridging & Site Access
Products	Compact 200 Vehicle BeamBridge

The A591 is the only major route through the central Lake District and is therefore vital for both local residents and for tourism in the area. A 3 mile section of the road was left completely impassable after it collapsed following flooding as a result of Storm Desmond.

Cumbria County Council were keen to identify a new route quickly in order to restore the vital school bus service and to introduce a shuttle bus for local residents, whilst road repairs got underway.

The challenge

A new route, essentially a forest track, was identified. This route was wide enough for a small bus but not general traffic but it crossed rivers at two points.

Two temporary bridges were needed to create a reliable, passable route for the school bus and the shuttle bus.

Storm Damage to Key Route

The A591 — the only major route through the central Lake District — became impassable when a three-mile section collapsed בעקבות flooding caused by Storm Desmond.

Restoring Essential Services

Cumbria County Council needed a rapid solution to reinstate the vital school bus service and introduce a shuttle bus for local residents while permanent road repairs began.

Temporary Bridge Solution

A forest track was identified as an alternative route, but river crossings required two temporary bridges to create a safe and reliable link for buses.

Our solution

Working with Thomas Armstrong Group, we installed a 24 metre span Compact 200 vehicle bridge and a 12 metre span BeamBridge on the route turning the rough track into an essential link for both the school and shuttle bus services. The A591 was fully reopened five months later.

Learn more about our bridges