DfT pumps £23m into Westmorland road scheme
A government cash injection has paved the way for improvements to the A595 at Grizebeck, north of Barrow.
The Department for Transport has awarded £23.31m toward Westmorland and Furness Council’s plans to build 1.4km of new road between Chapels and Grizebeck.
The project is aimed at boosting economic growth in the area by creating a resilient route that will support the safe and reliable movement of goods and people into, around, and out of Barrow-in-Furness, according to the council.
Planning permission for the project was granted in 2022.
Phil Greenup, assistant director for sustainable transport and highways at the council, said securing funding amounts to a “significant investment in the future of the area”.
“This is the first major road scheme we will deliver as a new council and our investment highlights our commitment to improving transport links for our more rural areas and promoting safer roads,” he said.
“The well-being and interests of residents, visitors, and road users will be at the forefront of delivering this scheme and necessary measures will be taken throughout to minimise the impact on our communities.”
Westmorland and Furness Council will partly fund the scheme alongside the DfT and the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.
Jo Lappin, chief executive of the LEP, said: “The LEP fully recognises the importance of improving the A595 at Grizebeck, and therefore provided £2.24m of its Growth Deal funding to support the development of the project.”
“This investment will help deliver the LEP’s growth ambitions and make it easier for businesses, employees and the community to travel around the county”.
Story Contracting Limited will be appointed as the lead contractor to deliver the improvement scheme, with works planned to start in autumn 2024.
“As a local contractor, using a local supply chain, we will be working with the community to ensure this project delivers more than the road,” Alan Boyle, director of Story Contracting’s construction division said.
“We are looking forward to employing, training and developing local people as well as supporting community projects and initiatives.”
