Motorists will be able to access Thirlmere direct from the South again. Photo: Mick Knapton CC-BY-SA-3.0
The main road through an English national park will open tomorrow, five months after severe floods washed part of it away.
The A591 between Dunmail Raise and the Thirlmere will be officially re-opened, three weeks sooner than planned.
Cumbria County Council said its leader Stewart Young will be joined by floods minister Rory Stewart at a ceremony at the site.
Motorists have faced a long diversion between Windermere and Keswick, via the Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater, since the road was severely damaged in December. A temporary track was built to allow a shuttle bus to operate, and the Lake District National Park Authority took the opportunity to improve a parallel route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders along an existing bridleway.
A council spokesperson said: “The road opening means that it is ready for the spring bank holiday and May half-term, helping to get Cumbria open for business and ready for the 2016 tourism season.
Granny Chris
11 May 2016Absolutely brilliant...Thank you for all the hard work
Sheepy
11 May 2016Excellent, I've been getting fed up of using the M6/A66.
The one thing I find quite unbelievable is the cost. £40 Million to repair that section. The only winners here are the Civil engineers. There is nothing that justifies that level of cost.
Taxpayers ripped off yet again!
Sheepy
12 May 2016Further investigation has revealed the cost to have been £3 million.
The £40 Million was given the other morning on BBC New North West. It looks as though they aren't very accurate in what they broadcast.