During Cumberland Council's Highways and Transport Strategic Board meeting held on Friday 10 November, various Highways and Transport matters were deliberated upon and granted approval. The closure of Thirlmere's U7003 was one of several TRO’s (traffic regulation orders) that was approved.
The council understands that the closure of U7003 at Thirlmere is causing inconvenience to all road users, however, the message that Members were keen to reinforce was that it has always been the councils aim to ensure that the U7003 is reopened for all users, as soon as the safety risks have been removed from Rough Crag.
Following on from Storm Arwen and according to the report previously presented by United Utilities, there is currently an unacceptably high risk of instability (rock falls and tree falls) to road users at Rough Crag. United Utilities, in collaboration with a geotechnical team, conducted thorough assessments and determined that the hazards still pose a danger to road users. Cumberland Council conducted an independent review and agreed with United Utilities' findings. Consequently, due to the severe risk to public safety the road continues to be closed.
The council has agreed to progress the making of the permanent order, to come into operation before the expiry of the temporary road closure on 11 January 2024, once a definitive response is received from the Department for Transport as to whether horse riders can be prohibited.
We are actively pursuing United Utilities in respect of the works which are required to Rough Crag under the Section 151 notice which was served upon them over two weeks ago. We wish to reassure the public yet again that we want the road to reopen to all users as soon as it is safe to do so.
Once all works have been completed by United Utilities in accordance with the Section 151 notice, Cumberland Council, as the Highway Authority will reopen the road to all users by removal of the traffic signs and revoking the restrictions.