Cumberland Council’s highways team is in the process of installing a covered walkway over the Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth.
The bridge is currently closed as a precautionary measure, following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse Building on Sunday 8 October.
Work is now underway to provide pedestrian access across the bridge. This will be completed as quickly as possible.
Cumberland Council is continuing to assess the Grade II listed building site - with the permission of the owner of the building.
A 3D LiDAR building survey will be undertaken today (Thursday, 12 October). This will assess the building and the bridge.
Works already undertaken include the fencing off the river embankment in the potential drop zone and screening has been installed on the bridge.
Traffic lights are also in place within the town to ease congestion.
Discussions are ongoing with key partners including the owner of the building. Permission has been granted by the owner to access the building to undertake survey work.
Cumberland Council spokesperson said:
“Following the partial collapse of the building on Sunday, we have met with the building owner to discuss the various options for future action. Talks have started with the owner’s legal team and also Historic England, in respect to any action to be taken to obviate the danger.
“This is a complex issue and public safety is our main priority.”
There were no reports of any injuries following the building collapse and although some debris has landed into the river, the river is still flowing.