After a £4m investment, the new bridge over the Cumbrian Coast railway line to the Port of Workington has been opened.
Work started on the new bridge last, and this week the 8.4m wide bridge reopened to traffic.
Part of the Great North Rail Project, the bridge will be used by thousand of vehicles each year, with 500,000 tonnes moved in and out of the port each year.
Network Rail released a video of the old Siddick bridge being demolished back in May.
The old bridge was built over 150 years ago and had weight restrictions in place for safety.
In April a new footbridge was opened for pedestrians, the work on the new Siddick bridge was completed by local firm Story Contracting.
Roisin Nelson, sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It's been a pleasure for the railway to pool resources with our Cumbrian partners to create a new platform for future jobs and global trading opportunities at the Port of Workington.
“Not only does the new overbridge allow more logistic traffic to travel to and from the port, but it also helps make the Cumbrian coast line below stay safe and reliable for passengers and freight for decades to come.”
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I'm delighted that the bridge is now reopening to motorists – the new bridge is key to local connectivity, further growth at the port, and the future development of the wider region.
“The replacement road and footbridge is a huge improvement and is a vital part of the redevelopment of the port – helping to get people and goods where they need to be, as well as boosting transport and connectivity links locally, nationally, and internationally.
Steve Curl, board member for transport and infrastructure at the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cumbria LEP is delighted to have contributed £2 million of Local Growth Funds to this strategically important project. The eagerly awaited replacement for the old stone bridge and the new footbridge will in turn improve access for vehicles to the Port and enhance pedestrian safety.
“Better connectivity between the port, Cumbria and the North's road network will significantly strengthen the county's economy.”
Cllr Mike Johnson, leader of the Allerdale Borough Council, said: “It's great to see the progress on this project going so well, which is a credit to everyone involved. Completion of this enhanced entrance to the Port of Workington will undoubtedly make the area more attractive to inward investors and is an integral part of our future regeneration plans for Workington.”
“By working in partnership with Network Rail, the Port of Workington and alongside local businesses and residents, the project to redevelop this site will benefit the local community for generations to come.”
Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington, said: “I am delighted that the upgrade of Siddick bridge is one step closer to completion. Infrastructure upgrades like this, throughout my constituency, are incredibly important to the future growth of existing and new local businesses. A number of local businesses rely on Workington Port and look forward to seeing the bridge fully operational in the coming weeks.”
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