A £350,000 project to futureproof a 50-year old bridge on the A66 between Keswick and Threlkeld in Cumbria will get underway next month.

The bridge carries the road over the River Greta just west of Threlkeld village. The two-week project by National Highways will start on Sunday September 15 and is due to be completed by Monday September 30.

The Keswick Reminder reports that the work includes resurfacing 220 metres of bridge deck, installing five new expansion joints – mechanisms which allow the bridge structure to expand or contract during changes in the weather – and renewing the deck waterproofing.

National Highways project manager William Paterson said: “The bridge is more than 50 years old and over the last few years we’ve had to carry out a series of running repairs.

“This comprehensive overhaul will help provide safe, smooth and reliable journeys along the A66 for decades to come and reduce the need for reactive repairs and the associated inconvenience for road users.

“We’ll be working as hard as possible to minimise disruption to drivers’ journeys over the two weeks but some delays in and out of Keswick are to be expected and we advise people to check traffic conditions before setting off and leave a little bit of extra time for travelling – or choose an alternative route.”

The project has been deliberately scheduled to take place outside the summer holiday window with round-the-clock working agreed to ensure it is completed as quickly as possible.

The temporary traffic signals will be monitored at peak times to reduce waits at the lights. Overnight, traffic will be escorted through the closure by a convoy vehicle.