Flimby building firm Thomas Armstrong has been appointed to create a temporary road to replace the collapsed A591 at Dunmail Raise. 

Representatives from the firm met with the council’s designers Capita today to discuss the designs and agree the programme of work.

It is now expected that work will start on site by next Tuesday, with construction taking around three weeks.

The road will make use of existing forest road up the east side of Dunmail Raise as well as creating a new unsurfaced access road across the open fell at the top of the hill.

Completion to this schedule is dependent on the two temporary bridges that will be required being available in the timeframe.

The county council said it was being finalised with the bridge supplier at the moment.

The bridges will cross the beck that runs alongside the A591 and another beck which runs down from Birk Side.

Planning is also under way for the new public transport shuttle bus connection which will be possible once the temporary road is open.

The council is looking at the options for how the service will operate and on what frequency.

The aim is to have this operational from the temporary road opening.

The road will also be open to pedestrians and cyclists, allowing a complete connection along the western shore road. This road will remain closed to vehicle traffic.

The temporary road will not withstand heavy traffic and will only be open to the public transport shuttle buses.

Work with Highways England on the full reinstatement of the A591 is ongoing and further announcements are anticipated this week.

Currently, a shuttle bus for Keswick School pupils is operating to allow the youngsters to get to and from school from the South Lakes.

The connection involves a 15-minute walk along the worst section of the affected road over Dunmail Raise.

Councillor Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This won’t solve the problems created by the damage to the A591, but it’s an important step forward that will give people an option to travel direct between the north and south Lakes.

"We know many people are currently doing big commutes via the diversions to get to and from work.

"My hope is that the new public transport connection will provide a better option for them.

"None of this distracts from the main task which is to get the A591 fully reopen and we’re working closely with Highways England on this to get work started."

Mark Steele, of Thomas Armstrong, said: "Thomas Armstrong is delighted to be involved in providing the temporary road.

"As a local contractor we understand the importance of the project and will do everything possible to provide the appropriate response."