Carlisle Viaduct To Undergo Major 10 Week Maintenance Project
A major maintenance project is set to begin on Carlisle’s Durranhill Viaduct, bringing phased works and temporary traffic management.
Cumberland Council has confirmed that work on the viaduct is due to begin on Monday, September 28, subject to suitable weather and site conditions. The project is designed to carry out a series of improvements and repairs to the structure, with construction initially continuing for approximately 10 weeks before a planned seasonal break over Christmas and the New Year.
The maintenance scheme will focus on the section of Durranhill Viaduct that crosses both the Settle to Carlisle railway line and the Carlisle to Newcastle railway line. The structure is an important part of the city's road network and carries Eastern Way, providing a connection between Warwick Road and London Road.
Eastern Way is carried over the railway infrastructure by the viaduct and forms part of the C1045 route. The road provides an important link between the A69 at Warwick Road and the A6 at London Road, meaning the condition of the structure is significant to the wider highway network serving Carlisle.
The planned works will include the replacement of bridge expansion joints, which form an important part of the structure by accommodating movement within the bridge. New waterproofing systems will also be installed as part of the scheme, while sections of both the carriageway and footway will receive resurfacing during the maintenance programme.
Further work will involve removing vegetation growth from the viaduct and carrying out localised repairs to the masonry parapets. These elements form part of the wider maintenance programme intended to improve the condition of the structure and support its continued use as an important transport connection in the city.
The project is being delivered by Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd, which has been appointed following a competitive procurement process carried out through Cumberland Council's Capital Works Framework. The contractor will undertake the planned repairs and improvements as part of the council's wider programme of investment in its bridges.
The council said the wider programme of bridge maintenance is intended to help ensure structures across the area remain safe, reliable and resilient. The Durranhill Viaduct project therefore forms part of ongoing work to maintain and improve key pieces of highway infrastructure rather than being a standalone road scheme.
Construction is expected to take place in two phases, with the initial stage beginning on September 28 and continuing for around 10 weeks. Once that stage has been completed, work will pause over the Christmas and New Year period before the contractor returns to the site in January to complete the remaining elements of the scheme.
The contractor is scheduled to return on Monday, January 4, 2027, after the planned seasonal break. Overall completion is anticipated in February 2027, although the timetable remains subject to weather conditions and any other unforeseen circumstances that could affect progress during the construction period.
Temporary traffic management measures will be introduced throughout the project to allow the maintenance work to be carried out. Two way temporary traffic signals will be used, meaning road users should expect traffic management arrangements to remain in place while the works are progressing on the viaduct.
Footway closures will also be introduced where they are required for the construction work. The council has stated that at least one footway will remain open at all times, with safe crossing points provided for pedestrians to help people continue moving through the area while different parts of the structure are being worked on.
Residents, businesses and road users have been invited to attend public information events where they can learn more about the maintenance scheme and the traffic management arrangements. The sessions are also intended to provide information about measures being put in place to minimise disruption during the works.
The first information event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, between 4pm and 6pm at Harraby Community Centre on Edgehill Road in Carlisle. A second session will take place on Thursday, September 10, also between 4pm and 6pm, at Botcherby Community Centre on Victoria Road.
Cumberland Council has asked residents, businesses and road users for their patience and cooperation while the essential maintenance works are carried out. Further information about the scheme is available through the council, while enquiries can also be made through the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736, quoting “Durranhill Viaduct Remedial Works (Phase 2)”.
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