A £23 million scheme to improve a 1.4km section of the A595 has been given the go-ahead by the Government.
The Department for Transport has awarded £23.31m towards Westmorland and Furness Council’s Grizebeck improvement scheme that will see new road built between Chapels and Grizebeck.
The project is set to boost economic growth in the area by creating a resilient route that will support the safe and reliable movement of goods and people into, around, and out of Barrow, the authority said.
Road safety and access to local communities such as Grizebeck village will also benefit, it added.
Phil Greenup, assistant director for sustainable transport and highways, said: “This is the first major road scheme we will deliver as a new council and our investment highlights our commitment to improving transport links for our more rural areas and promoting safer roads.
“The well-being and interests of residents, visitors and road users will be at the forefront of delivering this scheme and necessary measures will be taken throughout to minimise the impact on our communities.
“We have worked hard to get this far and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this scheme has in Westmorland and Furness.”
The council will partly fund the scheme alongside the Department for Transport and the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
Jo Lappin, chief executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said “This is very welcome news. The LEP fully recognises the importance of improving the A595 at Grizebeck, and therefore provided £2.24 million of its Growth Deal funding to support the development of the project.
“This investment will help deliver the LEP’s growth ambitions and make it easier for businesses, employees and the community to travel around the county”.
Story Contracting Limited will be appointed as lead contractor to deliver the improvement scheme, with works planned to start in autumn.
Alan Boyle, director of Story Contracting’s construction division, said: “As a local contractor, using a local supply chain, we will be working with the community to ensure this project delivers more than the road.
“We are looking forward to employing, training and developing local people as well as supporting community projects and initiatives.”
