Essential Repairs to Derwentwater shoreline will see road closures

Cumberland Council has confirmed that vital slope stabilisation works on the B5289 near Ashness Bridge will restart from Monday, with its contractor Metcalfe’s Plant Hire returning to site.

The scheme, which forms part of a wider programme of civil engineering works, was originally due to complete its first phase in December. However, prolonged periods of severe winter weather made ground conditions unsafe, forcing work to be temporarily paused.

Under the revised programme, phase one will now run from 26 January to 20 February. During this period, two-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation along the B5289 to allow the works to be carried out safely.

Phase one focuses on strengthening the slope that supports the carriageway by rebuilding it with shoreline stone and imported material. This work is designed to stabilise the embankment and prevent further erosion.

The slopes and embankments around Derwentwater were badly affected during Storm Desmond in 2015, when record rainfall of 405mm fell within 48 hours, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 81mph. The damage caused by that event continues to require long-term remediation to protect the surrounding road network.

A council spokesperson said the temporary traffic lights may be removed at certain times of the day, as much of the work will take place along the shoreline rather than directly on the carriageway.

Phase two of the scheme is scheduled to begin on 23 February and will take place over 10 nights. During this stage, the B5289 will be fully closed between 7pm and 7am to allow more intensive works to be carried out.

The council explained that phase two involves rebuilding the slope from the carriageway using large-scale machinery, which cannot be operated safely while traffic is passing.

“These essential works will strengthen the slope damaged during Storm Desmond and help ensure a safe and resilient route around Derwentwater for residents, visitors and local businesses,” the spokesperson said.