The completed new bridge on the Keswick railway route. Photo: LDNPA
Walkers and cyclists in the Lake District are back on the right track after the completion of a new bridge.
A decrepit Victorian bridge on Keswick railway footpath has been replaced in a £31,000 project by the Lake District National Park Authority.
The 1865 remnant of the steam age has been removed and in its place workers from the authority’s northern operations field team have constructed a purpose-built link open to walkers and cyclists.
Authority field worker Kris Bratton explained seven of the eight bridges on one of the most heavily-used paths in the area have now given way to purpose-built structures.
He said: “The new bridges make it easy for people to use this beautiful path, so whether they are in wheelchairs, pushchair users or have limited mobility; it’s possible to enjoy this beautiful and historic part of the Lake District.
“We don’t know exactly how many people use the permitted path, but it must be hundreds of thousands annually.
Workers on the bridge replacement project. Photo: LDNPA
“One of our biggest difficulties was redirecting large numbers of people to a temporary bridge while we were working on this replacement.
“We hope visitors and local people will enjoy the new, easy access bridges.”
Threlkeld-based apprentices were among those who worked on the new structure, which is on a route close to the River Greta through the town.
