A Cumbrian council will spend £37.7 million to tackle potholes and upgrade its roads.
Westmorland & Furness Council will use the cash to carry out dozens of projects – and has earmarked £19.9 million to help fix potholes.
It said last year saw its workers fix over 33,000 potholes reported by the public and via inspections.
The cash, which will be spent over 2025 and 2026, will also pay for a full resurfacing of 59 roads, and surface dressing on 73 routes.
A total of £17.8 million will see other upgrades, repairs and maintenance delivered on bridges and structures, pavement resurfacing, public rights of way, drainage, streetlighting, traffic signals, and road safety.
Funds will also be allocated to public transport and cycling and walking infrastructure improvements.
The plan features a comprehensive schedule of maintenance and improvement schemes funded through capital grants from the Department for Transport that must be spent on activities aimed at extending the lifespan and enhancing the structural integrity of local infrastructure.
Westmorland and Furness Council is responsible for maintaining 2,600 miles of adopted roads across the area.
It said the project chosen for work were prioritised based on safety inspections and assessments, carried out throughout the year.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness cabinet member for highways and ICT, said: “Our teams are out in all weathers, battling the very elements that cause the most damage, particularly over winter, when freezing conditions lead to the road deterioration that becomes most visible in spring.
“It is important to recognise that our road network is an aging asset and requires constant investment to stay safe and functional. Our £37.7 million highways and transport capital programme builds on the progress we are continuing to make.
“We are not just reacting to potholes, we are delivering works through smarter, more sustainable methods that will extend the life of our highways and transport network and ensure a safer, more resilient network for years to come.
“Whether it’s resurfacing roads, improving drainage, or upgrading footways, bridges and other infrastructure, this investment will help protect our network, keep people moving safely, and make sure every pound is well spent.”
Cumberland Council celebrates £14.3m roads project
Meanwhile, Cumberland Council is celebrating the end of its £14.3 million improvement project on the A595 and A5086.
It was funded through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and has improved 16.5 miles of the road network.
It began in January 2024 and has seen:
- 11.05 miles of resurfacing on the A595
- 6.31 miles resurfaced on the A5086
- 910 gullies replaced
- 185 manholes replaced
- 5,397 kerbs installed
- 2,493 metres of edgings installed
- 3,258 road studs installed
- 64,014 metres of road markings laid
- 125 streetlights replaced
The team behind the Scallows Farm Road Embankment Stabilisation project received a commendation in the CIHT Resilience Award.
Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “We are delighted to have delivered these essential road improvements, ensuring a safer and more resilient highway network for years to come. A huge thank you to our dedicated teams for their hard work and commitment, and to the residents and businesses for their patience and support throughout the works.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Government for the Levelling Up Fund, which made this project possible.”
