Highways England has announced a scheme to improve safety and journeys on a key route into south Cumbria from the M6 will enter the main construction phase next month.

A new roundabout is being built along the A590 at Cross-a-Moor, south of Ulverston to replace the current staggered junction while also supporting the creation of the 1,063 houses being built in the area.

HE says the £9.5 million project, which also includes funding from Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Lakeland District Council, will significantly enhance the 19,000 trips made between Ulverston and Barrow every day.

“The new roundabout will usher in an important new era for the Furness peninsula. Not only will it cut congestion and improve safety on the A590 and local roads, it will also support the creation of new jobs and the extra traffic that will come off the back of new houses being built,” said Highways England senior project manager Steve Mason. “As we move into the construction stage of the scheme we will look to minimise disruption for road users. I’d like to thank people for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”

The existing staggered junction has Main Road running east off the A590 and Cross-a-moor running west of it. When work begins on 6 September, there will no longer be the option to turn right from the A590 onto Main Road, with diversions in place. Both Cross-a-moor and Main Road will be closed in phases during the scheme.

Vehicles with loads exceeding 2.9m will be required to wait in signed laybys before reaching the work area and wait for a marshal to assist. During each phase of the construction, footpaths will need to be closed so the work can be carried out safely. Diversions will be put in place and a temporary crossing will be installed.

(Picture – Highways England)