Link road hits milestone as bridge beams installed

The Caldew Crossing will carry traffic over the River Caldew and help divert cars away from Carlisle

The construction of a major link road has hit a milestone after 18 steel beams were installed on a bridge along its route.

All the steelwork has been completed on the Caldew Crossing, which will carry traffic over the River Caldew near Carlisle.

The bridge is part of the Carlisle Southern Link Road project, which aims to reduce traffic through the city and allow a 10,000-home village to be created.

Labour's Denise Rollo, from Cumberland Council, said the completion of the road would "change the landscape of Carlisle".

"The potential that will unveil itself when the road opens in terms of new development opportunities, as well as easing the pressure on the city centre traffic network, is incredibly exciting," she said.

The Caldew Crossing will measure 170m (558ft) in length and will stand 20m (66ft) high over the river.

Once completed, the £212m Carlisle Southern Link Road will connect the M6 with the A595.

Plans to build the five mile (8km) road were approved in 2020 but construction only began in 2023 due to delays caused by the rising cost of materials.

Its development is expected to pave the way for the building of St Cuthbert Garden Village. The plans are set to be released for public consultation in March.