Two weekend closures are planned for the A595 as Westmorland and Furness Council progress with its £23 million improvement scheme.
As part of the Council’s government-funded investment in a single carriageway road that aims to significantly improve congestion between Chapels and Grizebeck, two essential road closures will see the safe construction of junctions connecting a new temporary route with the existing A595.
The temporary route, scheduled to open in mid-February, will serve all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians for six months while a new overpass is constructed to carry local traffic over the new A595 and provide access to Grizebeck Village.
On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February, and Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February, a full closure of the A595 at Grizebeck Village is planned to ensure the safety of both site crews and road users during this key milestone for the project. Both closures will run from 7:00 am on Saturday until 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Access for emergency service vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained throughout. A signed diversion route will be in place for all other road users via the A5092, A590, and A595 through Greenodd, Ulverston, and Askam in Furness.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT said: "The completion of these planned works will mark a significant project milestone and take us one step closer to delivering a safer, more efficient route for everyone who relies on the A595.
“We recognise road closures can be inconvenient, which is why we have scheduled them on weekends to minimise the impact on school traffic and weekday commuters.
“This scheme reflects a significant investment in the infrastructure of Westmorland and Furness, and we are grateful to the community for their patience and cooperation as we work to bring these vital improvements. Once completed, this project will greatly enhance connectivity and reduce congestion for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The scheme, which began in August 2024, has already achieved significant progress. Initial biodiversity mitigation works have been successfully completed, including the creation of distinct wet and dry habitat areas, a large pond, and the installation of nesting boxes to support various species. Archaeological investigations were also concluded with no notable findings.
To ease congestion throughout construction, a HGV restriction was implemented through Grizebeck Village on Monday 13 January in preparation for the start of main earthworks for the Spring 2025. The temporary restriction on vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, introduced by Story Contracting, is designed to reduce congestion for road users.
Drivers of vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are urged to follow the signed diversion to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of our vital improvements.
For further updates and information on the project, please visit westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk or to get in touch with the project team email A595grizebeck@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
