HGVs will be restricted from travelling on a narrow section of the A595 early next year for 18 months.
From Monday January 13, HGVs over 7.5 tonnes will be restricted from passing through Grizebeck village and School Road in Kirkby-in-Furness during the construction phase of Westmorland & Furness Council’s £23.3 million scheme.
The temporary measure will alleviate pressure and ease congestion on narrow sections of the A595, the council said, which the creation of a new single-carriageway road will address.
Throughout the 18-month restriction, HGVs can continue to access the area if providing a service to businesses and properties in the vicinity.
Access for all emergency services and buses will also be maintained.
The council said it was working with haulage firms to ensure they are aware of the restriction criteria and clear signs will be installed along the route, it added.
Once enforced, permanent on-site crews will also make sure HGVs do not proceed through the restricted area, it said.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for highways and ICT, said: “The narrow nature of this route is creating real challenges for our road users, particularly for HGV traffic, which has led to increased delays at pinch points on the A595.
“This restriction will help us manage these issues while enabling the safe delivery of our improvement scheme that will benefit our communities long term.
“We understand the importance of planning and communication in implementing this change, especially for our haulage companies who are crucial to our local economy. We’ll be working closely with them in the run up to the temporary restrictions and offering support to minimise disruptions and impact on their journeys.
“Our scheme has received a warm welcome across the area and the cooperation of our residents, businesses, and road users is ensuring we can enhance our local infrastructure for everyone’s safety and convenience.”
