Last updated at 16:17, Wednesday, 03 February 2010

LONG traffic tailbacks faced motorists this week as drainage work started on the A595.

And there could be a total of eight weeks of roadworks in total.
The Highways Agency is carrying out drainage improvements and resurfacing between Westlakes Science Park and Bigrigg.
Contractors have been asked to work around the clock where possible to cut the project from eight to six weeks to minimise disruption to motorists.
The work is due to be completed by the middle of March.
The Highways Agency says reliance on the route, which was unaffected by the recent flooding, makes the £670,000 project all the more important.
The Agency says both the southbound and northbound carriageways will benefit from new drainage and resurfacing.
The work is involving lane closures managed by traffic lights or an occasional off-peak convoy working with traffic led at low speed through the roadworks by on-site contractors.
Bus stops within the roadworks are also being closed off but temporary stops are being provided further along the route.
Highways Agency project sponsor, Phil Davies, said: “This is planned work but the nature of the flooding around places like Cockermouth and Workington recently underlines how important it is for us to get on with it.
“The A595 is a vital route to communities in West Cumbria and although it remained open during the recent floods it is important we invest in its sustainability by replacing these worn-out drains.”
People living or working in the area affected by the roadworks are said to be being sent a leaflet explaining the need for the work as well as the effort the Highways Agency has put in to minimise inconvenience.

First published at 11:58, Tuesday, 02 February 2010
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk