Work Starts to Remove Temporary Bridge in Kendal
Work has started to remove a temporary bridge and platform from the River Kent in Kendal.
The structure was put in place as part of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. It helped engineers build new flood defences at Waterside, including a riverside wall, glass panels and a floodgate.
Now that the main construction work at Waterside has been completed. The Environment Agency has begun taking down the temporary platform and bridge.
The removal work is expected to continue until September 2026. By then, the river should be fully restored to its natural state.
Why the Temporary Bridge Was Installed
The temporary bridge and platform were installed to give engineers safe access to the River Kent.
They were needed during construction work at Waterside, where new flood defences have been built to help protect Kendal from flooding.
The platform sat within the river and allowed teams to work on the riverside wall, glass flood panels and floodgate.
Without the temporary structure, the work would have been much harder to complete safely and efficiently.
Removal Work Now Underway
With the Waterside flood defences now finished, the temporary structure is no longer needed.
The Environment Agency has started the process of deconstructing and removing it from the river.
This work will be carried out carefully to restore the River Kent and reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.
Once the platform and bridge have been removed, the river should return to a more natural condition.
Part of Kendal’s Flood Defence Scheme
The work forms part of the wider Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The scheme has been designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the town, particularly along the River Kent.
Kendal has experienced serious flooding in the past. And flood management work has been a major issue for residents, businesses and local organisations.
New flood walls, gates and glass panels have been installed in different areas to help protect homes, roads and businesses while keeping views of the river where possible.
Environment Agency Marks Project Milestone
Alex Cowin, Environment Agency project manager for the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme, said the temporary platform had been essential for building the Waterside defences.
He said the completion of that work meant the project could now move into the next stage of restoring the river.
The removal of the bridge and platform is an important milestone because it shows that the main construction work in this section has been completed.
What Happens Next
Work to remove the structure is expected to run until September 2026.
During this time, people in Kendal may see activity around the River Kent and Waterside area.
The Environment Agency will continue working to take down the platform and bridge while restoring the river.
Once the work is complete, the temporary structure will be gone and the river channel should be returned to its natural state.
A Visible Change for Kendal
The temporary bridge and platform have been a noticeable part of the riverside while the flood work has taken place.
Their removal will change the look of the Waterside area and mark another step forward in the town’s flood protection project.
For residents and businesses, the work is part of a wider effort to make Kendal more resilient to future flooding while restoring the river after construction.
