Road to close for work on major junction

Access from the A66 into Workington town centre will close for at least three weekends

A major road into a town is closing for at least three weekends as £10.2m roadworks get under way.

Work to widen the Ramsay Brow junction with the A66 in Workington, as part of the Workington Gateway project, will begin later.

The road will be closed from 20:00 BST to 06:00 on Monday and will shut for at least the following two weekends, with an option for work to continue on the weekend of 3 October if required.

It means the X4 and X5 bus services will be unable to serve stops on Ramsay Brow, Stainburn and Clifton during the closures.

The work, funded by the government, is part of efforts to improve access for HGVs and better link key employment sites in the area and the Port of Workington.

The former Henry's Bar, which stood at the junction between Washington Street and Ramsay Brow, was demolished in preparation for the work, which is expected to be completed by March.

Cumberland Council, which is behind the project, said the work would "ease traffic congestion" and "support smoother journeys" through Workington.

The former Henry's Bar was demolished to make way for the work

Walking and cycling routes through Hall Park, linking Workington Academy and the town centre, will also be created as part of the project.

The road at Hall Brow, near the police station, is also due to be widened.

Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for connected places, said: "By reducing congestion and creating better walking and cycling links, we're not only making everyday journeys easier but also opening up access to jobs, culture, and heritage."

Alternative access to and from Workington will be provided via the A595 and A596.

Access to the A66 beyond Bridgefoot Roundabout and the junction with Park End Road would be maintained for local people, National Highways said.

The Workington Gateway project is part of wider £33m regeneration in the town, with the building of a new logistics and energy hub at the Port of Workington and a new sports village.