A FOUR-WEEK programme to resurface a stretch of the A6 outside of Carlisle has been completed.

As part of the additional £12m funding received from the Department for Transport in November 2018 for works on the county's roads, a total of £400,000 has been spent by Cumbria County Council on the project.

The works on the A6 were carried out in phases between Coomara Veterinary Practice and Springfield Farm, to minimise the disruption heading in and out of the city.

The project involved reconstructing the bond layers of the road to a depth of 300mm.

A specialist plant was used to help recycle the coal tar used in the lower levels of the road.

The material contains carcinogens which would usually require disposal at a specially licensed landfill site - at a significant cost to both the council and the environment.

However, the innovative recycling process meant this was avoided.

Recycling the coal tar also resulted in reduced carbon emissions and reduced the cost of the project.

Cllr Keith Little, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am delighted that so much work has been done using this additional funding.

"We were pleased that the government recognised the challenges facing our transport network, and our teams have worked hard to ensure that the funding has been invested in to important projects all over the county.

“The A6 is a vital artery connecting communities and the £400,000 investment will facilitate improved road safety, enhanced connectivity and help stimulate economic growth.”