South Lakes bypass opens to traffic
A bypass built to re-route 14,000 vehicles a day away from villages in south Cumbria has been opened by the chief executive of the Highways Agency.
The A590 High and Low Newton bypass is a 2.5 mile dual carriageway which cost £35.3m to build over the past two years.
The new stretch of road is flanked by dry stone walling on and 51,000 native trees and shrubs, including 3,200 oaks and 15,000 hawthorn.
The area's wildlife has also been protected – including a derelict pig sty being converted into a new home for the local bat population.
Archie Robertson, chief executive of the Highways Agency said: "This is a big day for the villagers of High and Low Newton, as they see traffic using the new bypass and no longer passing close to their homes. They can once again enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful part of Cumbria.
"The new bypass will also improve journey time reliability for road users, as well as increasing safety for both local residents and travellers."