Works were temporarily suspended on 27 March to support social distancing measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Cumbria county council said it has “reviewed a number of key strategic construction sites to identify if works can resume safely in line with the new procedures and Public Health England guidance.”

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are working with our main contractors to support local economic activity where it is safe to do so.

“The clear guidance from government means that some projects like the new Pooley Bridge project, can safely resume with necessary measures put in place by Eric Wright to protect the workforce and community.

“These are truly exceptional circumstances and we will be closely monitoring all construction activity to ensure government guidance is strictly followed.”

Eric Wright Civil Engineering, Managing Director Diane Bourne said: “The welfare and safety of our staff and contractors is of paramount importance.

“Working in partnership with Cumbria County Council, we have been following Public Health England’s advice and following official guidance on safe Site Operating Procedures including social distancing and safe working, also reducing the number of people on site at any one time and resequencing activities where required  to ensure the site team can work as safely as possible.

“We have introduced stringent health and safety measures across site, including undertaking a programme of rigorous daily cleaning, installation of new and additional wash facilities, safe distancing measures in welfare areas and staggered breaks.

“We are focusing on activities which can be undertaken safely and in line with government guidance.”

The new structure will be the first stainless steel road bridge of its kind in the country.

It was scheduled to be craned into position over the River Eamont in early May 2020 with the bridge opening in June 2020 but the temporary suspension of works means the timescale for this key milestone in the Pooley Bridge project is subject to change.

The council is also working closely with the contractors commissioned to work on other key construction projects across the county to determine if they are also able to safely resume working.