Works start on a multi million pound investment to improve the A595 at Grizebeck.
Funded by the Department for Transport, the Council’s £23.3 million scheme will create a new single carriageway road between Chapels and Grizebeck Village on the A595, improving road safety and journey times on one of Cumbria’s key arterial routes.
The two-year project is set to significantly enhance the reliability of the A595, with access to the village for local communities maintained through the construction of a new overpass, and a dedicated underpass for agricultural vehicles to reach surrounding farmland. New junctions will be introduced, bus stops improved and a safe, dedicated space for people to cycle, wheel and walk will be created.
Road safety is also a focal point of the scheme, with the new infrastructure planned to remove current pinch-points which cause frequent congestion.
This significant investment is expected to boost economic growth in the area by making journeys between Barrow-in-Furness and West Cumbria more reliable, and improve the resilience of the A595 when used as an emergency diversion for the A590.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets said:
“Our investment in the A595 at Grizebeck highlights our commitment to improving transport links for our more rural areas and addresses the immediate needs of residents who have called for this scheme.
“This will improve safety between Barrow-in-Furness and West Cumbria. It will also reduce the chances of hold ups on this route and make journeys more reliable.
“The well-being and interests of communities, visitors and road users will be at the forefront of our works, and necessary measures will be taken throughout to minimise the impact of the scheme as best we can.
“We thank you in advance for your patience and look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have."
Extensive ecological surveys were developed by expert practitioners as a part of preparatory works to identify wildlife activity and the presence of key species in the area to ensure their population continues to grow.
Wildlife corridors will be created and maintained to support the movement of animals through the area and sections of ancient hedgerow will be relocated so their value is not lost as a result of necessary site clearance. Nesting features will be introduced including bird boxes, bat roosts, hedgehog nest boxes and an artificial otter holt.
Badger tunnels underneath the new highway will also be constructed, along with fish passes in watercourses and otter ledges within culverts so that existing routes are retained and, in places, improved.
The Council is also committed to planting one tree for every resident in Grizebeck using appropriate native species as a part of the wider ambition to do this for the entire Westmorland and Furness population.
Cllr Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services said:
“I’m pleased to see that biodiversity has been a key focus and consideration of this major project, reinforcing our core council value to be ‘ecologically aware’.
“The area of Grizebeck is home to a rich variety of wildlife and we have undertaken extensive ecological surveys to guide our approach in ensuring they are safeguarded for future generations and that the scheme integrates with the environment.
“This includes a broad suite of measures such as wildlife corridors, nesting features, as well as extensive tree and hedge planting and landscaping with appropriate native species to create habitats which support and encourage wildlife.
“As a council our commitment is to ensure the planting of at least one additional tree or metre of hedging per resident during the life of this administration. The tree planting earmarked for this scheme will bring a range of benefits to our natural environment and our local communities, helping to create a greener, healthier and more resilient Westmorland and Furness for all.”
Cumbrian-based, Story Contracting Limited, will work together with the Council to deliver the scheme.
Alan Boyle, Director of Story Contracting’s Construction Division said: “Alan Boyle, Director of Story Contracting’s Construction Division said:
“Story Contracting are very proud to have been chosen to deliver this critical infrastructure project for Westmorland and Furness. As a Cumbrian contractor we appreciate the importance of securing funding to improve the county’s economy.
“We are also committed to employing and developing local people, working with local schools and colleges to attract young people into construction, and supporting local charities and organisations. Our motto is to ‘Do It Right’ and our team are excited about the opportunities this scheme will bring for the area”.
The project supports the objectives of Team Barrow, a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, BAE Systems and government, focused on transforming transport infrastructure, amongst other key areas such as education, skills and housing, to support future employment growth at BAE Systems and its position as home of the UK's submarine building capability.
Creating timely, safe, reliable, and resilient movement of goods and people into, around, and out of Barrow is a key part of development plans, which the Grizebeck project will support.
For updates and developments on the A595 Grizebeck improvement scheme, visit the Westmorland and Furness Council website or follow us on your favourite social media platform.
