Cumberland Council is pleased to announce the replacement and refurbishment of the heritage lanterns on Eden Bridges in Carlisle.
The existing lanterns, which have become unreliable due to their age, are set to be replaced, ensuring this landmark retains its historic charm while benefiting from modern technology.
The River Eden, a Special Area of Conservation, is a key natural asset with a rich diversity of flowers and wildlife, including nationally important species. This river serves as a crucial nocturnal corridor for various ecological communities that live and feed along its course. Therefore, when considering new lighting options, the council prioritised the protection of this valuable environment.
The new lanterns will incorporate advanced LED technology with a reduced blue light spectrum, replicating the warm, soft glow of traditional gas lanterns. This design aims to minimise light pollution and maintain the historical appeal of the area. Additionally, the lighting will only operate between sunset and midnight to further reduce the environmental impact. In addition, road lighting will also be maintained to ensure safety.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
"We are committed to preserving the heritage and ecological integrity of Eden Bridges while providing a modern and efficient lighting solution. These new lanterns not only enhance the beauty of the bridge but also ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding environment."
Cumberland Councillor Bob Kelly, Executive Member for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said:
“This initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the environment and reflects our broader approach to sustainability. In all aspects of our day-to-day business, we are constantly exploring ways to improve our environmental impact and reduce our carbon footprint. By replacing the ageing heritage lanterns on Eden Bridges with modern LED technology, we are not only enhancing the aesthetic and safety of this historic landmark, but also significantly reducing energy consumption and light pollution”.
The refurbishment works will be conducted by Cumberland Council’s in-house lighting team, with additional support from local contractor EEC Limited. Weather permitting, the lantern replacement will occur over the coming weeks, and the original iron pedestals will also be refurbished during this time. Vehicle traffic on the bridge will remain unaffected, and disruption to pedestrians and cyclists will be kept to a minimum.
The council has also announced that further works to replace heritage lanterns on Victoria Viaduct and Nelson Bridge are planned for later this year.
Cumberland Council wishes to thank the community for their continued support and patience while this work is being completed.
If anyone has any queries, or would like to report any road defects, please contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 or visit the Cumberland Council website.