Politicians and business people in Cumbria have joined with colleagues from across the north to call on the Government to back a 30-year investment plan that would kickstart £600m in investment in Cumbria.

Transport for the North’s (TfN) Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) would help the north recover and transform after coronavirus and create new jobs.

The £7bn pipeline, which includes projects from across the north’s 20 local and combined authorities, would kickstart the creation of the Southern Carlisle Relief Road and improvements to Carlisle Station.

TfN, which brings together authorities from across the north, as well as business leaders, earmarks the Carlisle relief road for a 2024/25 start date.

Carlisle bypass

The project would create a bypass connecting the A595 to the M6, linking in with plans for the 10,000 home St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.

It's also aimed at improving the north’s rail network, including route upgrades and journey time improvements on the Newcastle to Carlisle Tyne Valley Line and improvements to the Cumbrian Coast Line. The latter is expected to cost about £10m and would create of 18,450 jobs in west Cumbria.

With pressure on the line set to increase significantly over the next decade, the upgrades could help it deal with the added pressure and offer a smoother experience for businesses and passengers.

A689 and A69 improvements

Another project included in the plan is improvements to the A689 and A69, which would see the former trunked and the latter de-trunked.

The changes would benefit residents who live on the A69 while also providing easier access to those travelling to the airport on the A689. Improved connectivity from the A689 to the M6 is also part of the project, making the airport more accessible.

A595

The NIP would also look to kickstart improvements on the A595 at Bothel, which are earmarked to start by 2024/25, and would enable junction enhancements at Bothel/Torpenhow, as well as preliminary works to enable a larger project delivering climbing lanes and broader route alignment.

The creation of Cumbria Strategic Cycling Corridors, Cumbrian Local Cycle and Walking Networks and improvements to the A66 are also included in the proposals.

Keith Little, cabinet member for highways & transport at Cumbria County Council said: “I’m delighted we’ve now agreed our Economic Recovery Plan with ambitions for a 30-year investment pipeline worth £5 billion. This couldn’t come at a better time, allowing us to create up to 20,000 jobs and create greener and more sustainable transport options following the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope the Government recognises how vital this is to recovery in the north, and supports us.”

Joining together

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: "The council has been working with Transport for the North and Cumbria LEP to develop a pipeline of infrastructure schemes across Cumbria which will help support business growth, job creation, and unlock housing sites.

"For example, we have worked with TfN to secure improvements to the A595 at Bothel and Grizebeck, as well as to develop the business case for the Cumbrian Coast Line.

There are a number of projects included in the Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) which we believe will best address Cumbria’s infrastructure needs.

"If approved, these schemes would play a vital role in helping the local economy recover from COVID-19, as well as helping to unlock the economic potential of the county to new businesses and employers, that in turn will benefit our local communities.

"A number of funding bids are currently being considered by government and more detail will be available following the conclusion of this process."