A MAJOR project to spruce up a Kendal town centre railway bridge will begin in the New Year.

Network Rail will be refurbishing and repainting Longpool Bridge which is around 170 years old.

The company is warning motorists who use Shap Road and Longpool Road to allow extra time for their journeys between January 6 and April 11 while work is taking place.

During this time, traffic underneath the bridge will be restricted to a single lane controlled by traffic lights.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail area director said: “The project at Longpool will restore a historic structure that acts as one of the gateways to Kendal, it also safeguards rail services along the Windermere line.

“We have worked closely with the local authority to minimise disruption to motorists as much as possible and thank them for their patience while we complete this essential project.”

The project will see £400,000 invested to grit blast and repaint the bridge as well as a number of steelwork repairs and pigeon proofing.

Rail services between Oxenholme and Windermere will not be affected during the project.