Over £4.6m of Government funding has been made available to build a road bridge over the River Derwent in Cumbria.

The new bridge will replace the bridges damaged and destroyed by last year’s flooding.

The funding will cover material, design and construction costs and the new bridge is expected to be open by May 2010.

This is the latest measure in a package of support provided by the Government to help Cumbria recover from the devastation caused by the flooding.

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Other help has included the Barker Crossing (a temporary foot bridge), additional rail services to provide vital links across the river at Workington and funding for the cost of supplementary short-term project management resources.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said his colleagues are committed to helping the people of Cumbria recover from the devastation caused by last year’s flooding.

"The building of this bridge will be a vital step in reuniting the town and will make life easier for local residents and businesses who are still recovering from the devastation caused by last year's flooding," he said.

"We will continue work with Cumbria County Council to identify what further funding is required to restore the area’s critical infrastructure."

Following tender negotiations Cumbria County Council have contracted Morgan Est to construct the bridge.

(PR/GK)