Review of Cumbria's bridges under way
Sunday, 22 November 2009An urgent safety review of Cumbria's 1,800 bridges was under way today with the UK's emergency services warning one bridge could collapse at any time and 50mph winds forecast.
Structural engineers and military experts were focusing first on key bridges in the worst-affected areas, including the Calva Bridge in Workington which has reportedly sunk by about 30 centimetres.
The British Met Office forecast coastal gusts of 60-65mph from mid afternoon and high winds inland of 50-55mph. Some 40-50mm of rain was also predicted on high ground.
There were fears the high winds could topple trees which have been left unstable because of the flooding.
The closure of the Calva bridge cut off the northside of Workington and outlying villages. Police have blocked off the road around a quarter of a mile from the structure, which is understood to also carry power cables, as strong winds buffeted the area.
The closure meant many residents from a row of terraced houses who were flooded out on Thursday can still not get to their homes.
Police warned the public against all non-essential travel in West Cumbria where road networks have been severely disrupted.
A total of 16 bridges and at least 25 roads remain closed.
River levels have subsided but four severe flood warnings remain in place.
About 60 people were still sheltering in the two main reception centres and more than 700 properties remained without power.
