Major road closures as £14m infrastructure project begins

Roads across west Cumbria will be closed to allow for improvement works

Major routes in Cumbria will be closed to traffic when a multimillion-pound Levelling Up project begins on Monday.

The A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont, and the A595 south of Sellafield, will be upgraded as part of a £14.3m infrastructure improvement plan.

The first phase of work will focus on the A5086 between Rowrah and Crossgates and the A595 Whicham Valley.

From Monday, the affected routes will be closed between 0730-1800 GMT, for up to six weeks.

'Transformative'

Funded by the government's Levelling Up scheme, the project will involve bridge repairs, resurfacing and drainage work.

Cumberland Council say it represents a "transformative journey" for its road infrastructure.

A spokesman for the council said the works will incorporate carbon reduction measures and recycled materials.

Councillor Denise Rollo said the work will benefit local communities, the economy and improve connectivity to jobs, goods and services.

She said it would also reduce road closures caused by highway defects and enhance safety along the relevant routes.

Emergency access will be maintained throughout the work. Residents or businesses requiring access to properties during the improvements are asked to discuss their needs with the on-site traffic marshall.

The project will be carried out in phases over the course of the year, with the next phase scheduled for the end of February on the A5086 Parkside.