Crane lifts new Gooseholme Bridge into place
A large crane has successfully lifted the new Gooseholme Bridge at Kendal, marking a hugely significant step forward in Cumbria County Council’s £2m bridge project.
The complex operation to place the 42-metre bridge across the river Kent was completed on Wednesday 20 July.
Cumbria County Council, working with contractor Story Contracting Ltd and in partnership with an extensive specialised project team, oversaw the installation of the 55-tonne structure which was lifted into place.
The £2 million project to construct this replacement footbridge was delivered by Cumbria County Council with funding partners: the Environment Agency, South Lakeland District Council, and Sustrans.
The new Gooseholme Bridge is part of walking and cycling charity Sustrans’ £77m programme, supported by the Department for Transport, to enhance the National Cycle Network.
Now that the bridge has been lifted in place, work will continue over the next few weeks so that the bridge can open in autumn.
To see the bridge lift, please go here https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/gooseholme/project.asp
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
“This is a significant milestone in reconnecting the local community with parts of Kendal and the park, and it is great to see the impressive new bridge structure lifted into place at Gooseholme Park.
“This single span bridge that will be fully accessible to all bridge users, providing shared access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
“I would like to thank the Kendal community for their patience and support for this project, funding partners: the Environment Agency, South Lakeland District Council, and Sustrans, and also the team behind this work - Story Contracting, Adey and our project team at the county council.
“We all are looking forward to the bridge opening in autumn”.
Rosslyn Colderley, Director for Sustrans in the North of England said:
“We’re delighted to be able to support the installation of this fantastic new bridge to help more people walk, wheel or cycle on their journeys.
“Gooseholme Bridge links to our wider plans to improve walking and cycling networks in cities and towns. It is also part of our vision to create a high quality, accessible National Cycle Network across the Lake District, and throughout the UK.”
