Cumbria County Council is carrying out a major resurfacing project on the A686 at Meathaw Hill near Alston. The works, valued at £470,000 will commence from Monday 23 September. The works will take approximately three weeks to complete and require a full road closure during working hours.
The works are programmed to take place between 8am and 6pm seven days a week throughout the three week schedule. The road will be closed to all traffic between these hours. The local Keswick – Alston bus service will be able to pass through the closure, with the return bound service waiting at the closure until 6pm if required.
Between the hours of 6pm and 8am, all traffic will be able to pass under escort in a convoy system – some disruption may be likely, but this is preferable to having the road completely closed 24 hours a day. Please note that access will be maintained throughout the works during all hours for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists. Traffic marshals will be working at either end of the closure to advise motorists and to ensure free flowing movement of traffic during hours of non-closure.
Please note that on Wednesday 2 October, the road will be fully open to all traffic – this is to facilitate the traffic entering and leaving the nearby annual Alston Moor gimmer lambs sale in Lazonby – the council is committed to supporting the local economy and the farming community.
Weekend working has been agreed with the contractor to increase productivity and they will also try to maximise the quantity of material laid per day – to allow works to be completed as quickly as possible. Traffic management has been in situ for the last few weeks to allow for initial groundworks, including replacement drainage. All works are subject to suitable weather conditions.
Cllr Claire Driver, Cumbria County Councillor for Alston and East Fellside, said: “I welcome this next stage of investment into our road network and although it will cause some disruption, the improvements will undoubtedly be welcome in the long run. I’m also pleased that by working together with the farming community that one of the most important days in the farming calendar can go ahead unhindered. I wish everyone a great sale day!”
