Work to start on 'key' route's new road

The new road will bypass constraining "pinch-points", according to the local council

Work on a £23m scheme to build a "critical" road will get under way next week.

A one-mile (1.4km) stretch of single carriageway will be built between Chapels and Grizebeck Village, on the A595, in south Cumbria.

Funded by the government, it is aimed at improving road safety and cutting journey times on what Westmorland and Furness Council describes as one of the county's "key arterial routes".

Beginning on Tuesday, the project will take two years to complete.

Ancient hedgerow

The local authority said the road would "bypass constraining pinch-points on the existing highway and village centre".

A new overpass will also be included along with a dedicated underpass for agricultural vehicles to reach surrounding farmland and a space for cycling and walking.

"Extensive" ecological surveys were carried out by experts, the council added, with wildlife corridors to be created.

It said sections of ancient hedgerow "will be relocated so their value is not lost as a result of necessary site clearance" and one tree will be planted for every resident in Grizebeck "using appropriate native species".

Councillor Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways and assets, said the road highlighted the council's commitment to improving transport links for its rural areas and "addresses the immediate needs of residents who have called for this scheme".