Work on A591 retaining wall progressing well

Contractors are making good progress in constructing a new retaining wall as part of the project to repair and reopen the A591 in Cumbria.

The road was badly damaged in December’s storms and Highways England has been brought in by the government to restore the route so that it can be reopened by the end of May.

A new 106-metre retaining wall is being built in the beck alongside the part of the A591 which collapsed – a distance which equals the length of a football pitch.

Contractors have installed steel supporting posts and concrete panels along 35 metres of the new wall so far. Stone masons have also started putting local stones reclaimed from the flood debris along the wall to cover the concrete, and ensure the wall blends in with the local surroundings

Concrete will be poured behind the concrete panels up to a thickness of 3.5 metres before a new road surface is laid on top. Once completed, the wall will provide greater protection to the road from the effects of erosion.

At Thirlmere, camera surveys of the drains underneath the southern section of the road have been completed and repairs have started on the damage identified.

David Pluse, Highways England’s project manager for the scheme, said: “We have made significant progress and the latest photographs from the construction site show how the wall is taking shape.

“Our contractors are also forging ahead with other work and have started repairs to the storm drains alongside Thirlmere after carrying out camera surveys. Good progress is being maintained despite the difficult working conditions and continued unpredictable and inclement weather.

“We are continuing to work closely with our contractors and Cumbria County Council to do all we can to get the A591 repaired and re-opened as soon as possible, following the extensive damage caused by December’s storms.”