An eagerly-anticipated scheme to improve safety and journeys on a key route into south Cumbria from the M6 enters the main construction phase next month.
Highways England is building a new roundabout along the A590 at Cross-a-Moor, south of Ulverston to replace the current staggered junction while also supporting the creation of the 1,063 houses being built in the area.
The £9.5 million project, which also includes funding from Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Lakeland District Council, will significantly enhance the 19,000 trips made between Ulverston and Barrow every day.
Highways England senior project manager Steve Mason said:
“The new roundabout will usher in an important new era for the Furness peninsula. Not only will it cut congestion and improve safety on the A590 and local roads, it will also support the creation of new jobs and the extra traffic that will come off the back of new houses being built.“As we move into the construction stage of the scheme we will look to minimise disruption for road users. I’d like to thank people for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”
The existing staggered junction has Main Road running east off the A590 and Cross-a-moor running west of it. When work begins on 6 September, there will no longer be the option to turn right from the A590 onto Main Road, with diversions in place. Both Cross-a-moor and Main Road will be closed in phases during the scheme.Vehicles with loads exceeding 2.9m will be required to wait in signed laybys before reaching the work area and wait for a marshal to assist. During each phase of the construction, footpaths will need to be closed so the work can be carried out safely. Diversions will be put in place and a temporary crossing will be installed.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“I am delighted to see the progress being made with work starting on site in September for delivery of the new roundabout. This is a busy route, and the investment will be vital to the improvement of infrastructure and connectivity needed on A590 to continue the housing-led growth in the Ulverston area, as well as supporting the wider Furness regional economy.
“My thanks to all partners and the local communities involved for their input, enthusiasm and patience.”
Customers can sign up to the text alert number 07723404677 to receive alerts about planned closures, or any changes to roadworks.
For more information about the scheme visit https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/north-west/a590-cross-a-moor/ follow the Twitter account @highwaysNWEST or call our customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
