Work has begun on a £3.6 million scheme to improve a dangerous junction on the A595.
Story Contracting has moved on to the site of the work for the Bothel/ Torpenhow junction.
The work will involve the installation of right turn lanes onto School Lane and the new road to Torpenhow, realigning the road to Torpenhow, converting the existing road to Torpenhow into an active travel route, and finally widening the Bothel Beck culvert.
The Torpenhow junction is part of a wider A595 strategic improvement project at Bothel which has been a priority scheme for the A595 and the wider county highway network.
Construction of phase one of the Torpenhow junction is proceeding under Cumbria County Council’s permitted development rights as part of the Get Building Fund which is administered by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
The construction value is estimated to be around £2.6 million, the council said, with wider land, legal and development costs taking the project budget to around £3.6 million.
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am delighted that the construction work has started which will make improvements to Torpenhow Junction at Bothel, as the A595 is important for connectivity between Carlisle and West Cumbria.
“The junction improvement is the first phase of a much broader plan for the A595 with the second phase of work dependent on funding approval from Government.
“I would like to thank all the local residents who have assisted with the consultations, and for their continued support.”
