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

Network Rail will refurbish and repaint Longpool Bridge which is around 170 years old.

The company says motorists using Shap Road can expect delays between January 6 and April 11 while work is taking place.

Traffic under the bridge will be restricted to single file, controlled by traffic lights.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail area director, said: “The project 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 with the local authority to minimise disruption as much as possible while we complete this essential project.”

The project will see £400,000 invested to grit blast and repaint the bridge as make steelwork repairs. Rail services between Oxenholme and Windermere will not be affected.