A Cumbrian MP has written to the Government to demand that vital safety work is carried out on a major road in the county.
Tim Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, has written to the Minister for Roads Guy Opperman, asking improvements to the Gilpin Bridge section of the A590 following a fatal incident.
Last Tuesday, a man in his 20s from Leicestershire died after a two-car collision on the A590 near Levens.
Mr Farron said it was the latest tragedy on that stretch of road in recent years.
He told Mr Opperman:
- In August 2021, an 80-year-old cyclist died in a collision with a van
- In August 2021, four people were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including a 15-year-old boy, following a collision between a car and cement lorry
- In April 2022, a 70-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a car
- In December 2022, an 82-year-old driver died following a two-car collision
- In June 2023, a driver was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a two-car collision
In his letter to Mr Opperman, Tim pressed the minister to bring forward plans to build a roundabout at the Gilpin Bridge junction.
He said: “It is abundantly clear that safety improvements are urgently needed if we are to prevent future tragic accidents happening on this dangerous stretch of road.
“One solution is to build a roundabout to slow traffic down and make it safer for vehicles at the Gilpin Bridge junction.
“When I met with National Highways before Christmas to make the case for this, they said that ultimately any decision would be down to you.
“Therefore, please will you commit your department to take forward this idea so we can make this vital road safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”
