Victoria Bridge update on repair works
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycLClCx6v9E
Divers have been in the river over the last few days carrying out essential repairs to the foundation of Victoria Bridge in Kendal, so that it can reopen to traffic as soon as possible.
The work involves placing 'grout bags' under the damaged bridge pier to provide support for the bridge above. The bags fill the void created by flood water scouring away the bridge’s foundation. A video shot by the dive team shows the work that has been done.
Good progress has already been made, but heavy rain which has caused river levels to rise and made working in the water unsafe for divers, and technical problems at the plant supplying the materials used in the repair, have meant the hoped for opening date has been pushed back into next week. At the current time it's not possible to confidently give a specific opening day but every effort is being made to complete the repairs as quickly as conditions allow.
Nick Raymond, Senior Manager - Network Management, said:
"It's deeply frustrating that factors outside of our control have hampered the speed of the repair. The divers have been doing a great job, but as river levels rise the speed of water flow increases and the visibility in the water drops, making it unsafe for us to work in the water. We can't give a definite date yet when we'll be able to open the bridge for traffic, but as soon as we can we'll let people know."