THE fight to upgrade one of Cumbria’s most notorious roads is stepping up a gear.

Crucial studies are underway that campaigners hope will confirm that securing improvements to the A595 is of national importance.

Hundreds of millions of pounds is being made available for roads upgrades nationwide where authorities can argue that the work will boost their area’s economy.

Drivers, politicians and business leaders have for years been pushing for the road to become a dual carriageway amid frustrations about congestion and slow journeys.

And pressure is growing on the Government to make that happen with huge developments on the cards – not least a new nuclear power plant at Moorside, near Sellafield – that will lead to a huge surge in traffic.


John Stevenson Carlisle MP John Stevenson wrote to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, calling on him to consider putting the whole of the road back under the control of Highways England, a move he believes will ease the journey towards upgrade.

He has now had a response from Transport Minister Andrew Jones, who has said that Highways England will soon consider arguments for roads that should be taken under its control as part of the strategic roads network, for which an investment plan is being drawn up for post 2020.

And key to securing a place in that investment plan could be the results of a survey by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership into the county’s infrastructure.

Cumbria County Council is also working with Highways England on the West of M6 Strategic Connectivity Study.

Both reports would be able to feed into the strategy, Mr Jones said.

He wrote: “I am aware of the proposal by NuGen to construct three new nuclear reactors at Moorside also other energy-related developments that are being proposed, such as new coal mines and a tidal barrage.”

The minister pointed to a £450m Department for Transport fund for large local authority schemes that can help unlock economic growth and housing.

“Competition is likely to be strong, but if Cumbria County Council can make a case for substantial investment in road projects then they could apply to this fund, providing the projects meet whatever eligibility criteria are set,” he added.

Mr Stevenson has been encouraged by the response. He is keen for an upgrade of the entire road to boost business between Carlisle and firms in the energy sector.

“Things will not happen overnight, but we have to start planning and getting things in place so we can be positive in the future,” the MP said.

“This is hugely significant for the county in terms of improving connectivity.”

Most of the A595 is currently managed by Cumbria County Council after it was de-trunked. Only a stretch running through west Cumbria remains under the control of Highways England as part of its national network of key routes.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed and Barrow’s John Woodcock have also been calling for upgrades as part of efforts to tackle congestion and address safety concerns.

If it goes ahead, the new nuclear plant will employ thousands of people during construction and lead to a house building boom. Upgrades to the A595 have also been highlighted as vital to improving health services between Carlisle and west Cumbria.