'No decisions' on bridge six months after closure

5 hours ago

News image — Irish Gate Footbridge, known as Millennium Bridge, has been closed since March

BBC Irish Gate Bridge, also known as Millennium Bridge, in Carlisle. The large steel structure crosses a busy dual carriageway with traffic moving along the road beneath it. There are towers on either side containing lifts which have been permanently closed due to vandalism. The bridge has a slight curve to it and a tall white steel pole with cable attachments towards the far side. — Irish Gate Footbridge, known as Millennium Bridge, has been closed since March

A council has said "no decisions" have been made about the future of a city centre footbridge, six months after it closed.

Irish Gate Footbridge, which is known as Millennium Bridge and connects Carlisle Castle to the city centre, was shut in March after a crack was found in one of its steel supports.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said "significant work" was taking place behind the scenes to assess future options.

"Specialist investigations remain ongoing, with the council working closely with engineering experts and contractors to develop potential repair solutions and understand the likely costs and requirements of any future works."

A council highways asset manager indicated in May the bridge would continue to be repaired until "its life expectancy is exceeded".

The Labour-led authority, which is responsible for the bridge, previously said it needed to carry out a detailed inspection of the crack before a clear timescale could be determined.

A spokesperson said: "While the bridge remains closed as a precautionary measure to protect public safety, significant work is taking place behind the scenes to build a clear picture of the structure's condition and identify the most appropriate way forward."

An image of a fenced off entrance to Irish Gate Bridge in Carlisle, with a red sign reading 'Footpath Closed' attached to the metal fencing. Steps, some brick and some metal, arc to the right as they climb towards the top of the bridge. — The bridge connects Carlisle Castle to the city centre

The authority said it was also gathering further information about the bridge's original design and construction to help inform its plans.

The council spokesperson said: "No decisions have yet been made regarding the long-term future of the footbridge.

"Once investigations are complete and the council has a fuller understanding of the available options, associated risks and potential costs, the next steps will be carefully considered."

The bridge was built as part of the Carlisle Millennium Project and opened in 2000.