Underbarrow Bridge is now open to vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3 tonnes, all pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
Key information on the reopening of Underbarrow Bridge
3 tonne gross weight restriction
A clearly signed weight restriction is enforced, limiting vehicles to a maximum of 3 tonnes gross weight.
No exemptions
The bridge remains classified as a weak structure and there is no exemptions to the 3 tonne gross weight limit. Drivers of vehicles over this weight are required to use an alternative route which will be indicated on signage.
A criminal offence to ignore the restriction
Failure to comply is a criminal offence which may result in prosecution and/or a fine by Cumbria Police.
Open to all pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians
All pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians are able to use the bridge safely.
Brigsteer Bridge opened on Friday 31 January also with a 3 tonne weight restriction. The bridge remains classified as a weak structure and there is no exemptions.
Enforcing the weight restrictions
The Council is working closely with Cumbria Police to monitor and enforce these restrictions which are introduced to protect the safety of the public.
Violating the weight restriction will not only put other road users at risk, but may result in prosecution and fines.
Advice for drivers
Finding out the maximum gross weight and axle weights of your vehicle
The maximum permitted gross and the axle weights of your vehicle can be found listed on 'plates', which must be fitted to all vehicles and certain trailers.
These will either be a manufacturer's plate or a Department of Transport plate and are usually located either in the cabin or under the bonnet of vehicles or on the chassis of trailers. The weights are given in metric units of kilograms (kg).
Advice for drivers of vehicles over 3 tonnes gross weight
- The driver of the vehicle is liable for the offence. The company could also be responsible as the user of the vehicle
- If your vehicle is seen breaching a weight restriction you may be prosecuted. The maximum fine is £1,000.
How to avoid breaching a weight restriction order
- Know the plated weight and individual axle weights for your vehicle
- Plan your route in advance to avoid weight-restricted areas
- Following Sat Nav advice does not create a defence acceptable in law for ignoring weight limits that are in place.
Working with our contractors WSP and Jacobs, we will now focus on further refining the assessment process to determine if the 3 tonne weight limits enforced on both Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges can be improved upon.
We are also considering longer-term solutions to restore and improve full access in the area through a feasibility study.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have prepared a series of Frequently Asked Questions that are available on the News Section of westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
If you have any further questions you would like to ask the team, please submit an enquiry via our highways online reporting form.
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