Roadworks in Workington town centre are set to start today – and last until autumn – as work continues on a major project.
Contractors are starting work on phase two of the £10 million Workington Gateway project.
The work is part of a major programme to improve road safety, upgrade essential infrastructure and strengthen connections to key employment sites and the Port of Workington, Cumberland Council said.
Cumberland Council, which is behind the scheme, said it would enhance connectivity with employment sites in the north of the town by widening the key A66/A596 junction, as well as the A596 at Hall Brow between the police headquarters and Workington Bridge.
Ramsay Brow – Phase 1
Temporary three-way traffic signals already in place will remain operational throughout the work.
Due to necessary utility diversions, Phase 1 has been delayed, but work is now progressing and is expected to be completed in June.
Hall Brow – Phase 2
Phase 2 will begin today, Monday, February 23.
- For the first two to three weeks, to minimise longer term disruption, gas network upgrades will be delivered alongside the road improvement scheme:
- A one-way northbound traffic system will operate between Udale Street and Calva Brow Roundabout.
- No southbound travel will be permitted on the A596 in this section. Traffic will be diverted via Northside Road and Northside Bridge to the A597.
- Three-way traffic signals at Ramsay Brow will remain in place.
- Access to and from Seaton via Northside Road remains unaffected.
Once Northern Gas Networks completes its work:
- Both traffic lanes will reopen between Udale Street and the access to police HQ/Black Path.
- The one-way system will reduce in length and apply only between police HQ and Calva Brow roundabout.
- Southbound travel on this stretch of the A596 will remain restricted until late summer, with diversions continuing via Northside Road, Northside Bridge and the A597.
- Seaton access remains unchanged.
The work on Hall Brow is currently planned to be completed by the autumn.
Parking
Residents of Hall Park View will not be able to park outside their properties from today, Monday, February 23, and the council said it was making some temporary arrangements with residents. Contractors will continue to work with residents to accommodate specific needs.
