We all remember the devastating floods in November 2009, which saw the collapse of Northside Bridge and where PC Bill Barker lost his life whilst warning traffic away from the collapsing main bridge through the town. 

The worst floods on the river for over 100 years also saw the collapse of Navvies footbridge, and shortly afterwards, the town of Workington was cut in half when the Calva Bridge was closed after the main deck sank and alarge crack appeared in the central arch over the River Derwent.

However, after nearly five months of enduring a 14-mile detour and disruption to this community, Engineers finished a temporary road bridge a month early.

Members and non-members of the CIHT Northern Branch attended an evening meeting presentation by Kevin Walsh (Cumbria County Council) and Paul Gott (Morgan Sindall) on the procurement and delivery of the temporary road bridge at Northside, Workington.

The new bridge opened on the 21st April 2010.  It has a 67-metre span, weighs 350 tonnes, has two lanes for traffic,plus room for cyclists and walkers.

The Council, and contractors Morgan Sindall, have put in a claim for a record as the fastest operation of its kind. The original completion date was 28th May 2010.