Drivers are reminded about major roadworks taking place in the Ullswater area which will increase traffic levels along the A591 towards Keswick and locally on the A66 in the coming weeks.
The massive A592 scheme, which started last year, is part of the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Project, and involves five different phases along a 23-mile section of the popular Lakeland route running between Windermere, along the banks of Ullswater, and to the A66 near Rheged.
In the past week as part of phase two, diversions and road closures on the A592 in the Ullswater area have required re-routing drivers and loading extra traffic onto the A591 on the approach to Keswick, and along local sections of the A66.
It put additional traffic along the A591 at Thirlmere, as well as the Castlebrow, Chestnut Hill, and The Hawthorns area, towards the A66 turn-off.
On the A66, it meant more traffic passing Threlkeld and Scales, as motorists were diverted to use the Troutbeck turn-off for Ullswater along the A5091 leading to Dockray.
The next phase takes place between October 17 and 21 where a full road closure is in place on a short section of the A592 between the Patterdale Estate Hall and Ullswater ‘Steamers’.
Again, diversions will put extra traffic along the A591 as motorists head away from the closed section and are encouraged to use the Troutbeck turn-off from the A66.
With the important school half-term looming – the last break before Christmas – officials have stressed there will be no works during Friday October 21 and Monday November 7. That means the A592 will remain open for the half-term break.
The work will stop for the Christmas and New Year from Friday, December 16, and return in early January 2023. It is anticipated that the full project should be completed by February, although it is weather dependent.
Cumbria County Council, as highways authority, has thanked communities for their “continued support and patience”.
It has also extended its apologies for any inconvenience caused. Cllr Keith Little, cabinet member for highways at the council, said: “We understand that these works will be frustrating and disruptive for the community, and we do apologise for this; however, the repairs are necessary to prevent more deterioration on the A592.
“The full schedule can be found on Safer Roads’ website, which is updated regularly, and includes a frequently asked questions section too.
“We want to thank the local community for their support and also businesses for their co-operation.”
