£12.7m Investment for A595 Upgrades

The UK Government is set to enhance the safety and capacity of the A595 at Grizebeck, in the latest step in levelling up transport infrastructure in the North.

Both residents and businesses in Cumbria will benefit from safer, quicker, and better-connected communities thanks to more than £12 million in funding announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on 27 October 20209.

Under plans drawn up by Cumbria County Council, the multimillion-pound investment will see the A595 roads upgraded at Grizebeck,, including a new 1km stretch built to replace the existing section at Dove Farm. The upgrades will also include the installation of a new crossing for farm vehicles and cyclists as well as more space for those walking and cycling the route.

The new stretch of road will see the A595’s capacity and connectivity with other major link roads boosted, this will help local businesses grown and support residents gain access to more work and employment opportunities.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “When I visited Cumbria last November, I heard about frustrations with local infrastructure, including the bottleneck at Grizebeck. I promised then that we would take action and I’m pleased today to deliver on that.

“It joins other investment in Cumbria – including £7.5 million to help support development plans to upgrade the coastal railway between Carlisle and Sellafield, and £1 billion to dual the A66. We’re committed to delivering for Cumbria and unleashing every part of the Northern Powerhouse.”

Subject to final approvals, work will be due to start in July 2022. The total cost of the A595 scheme is £14.9 million, with the Department for Transport’s funding contribution forming the majority of the schemes total cost.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “I’m beyond delighted that this project now has the green light after years of relentless campaigning by local people and businesses.

“It beggars belief that the main A-road from Barrow to Sellafield is through a farmyard. Finally that situation can be righted, making the road far safer and much more reliable for locals and commuters alike, and Furness a more attractive place to do business.

“I’m hugely grateful to the Department for Transport, Lancashire Evening Post and Cumbria County Council for backing and funding this scheme, and the A595 Action Group for keeping the pressure up over the years.”

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