AN APPLICATION has been submitted which could see £19.5million of funding provided to upgrade a 30km section of the county’s highway network.

Cumbria County Council has submitted an application to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund which could see improvements works on the A590 through Barrow-in-Furness, A595 south of Sellafield and A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont.

Included in the programme work would be resurfacing; drainage works and bridge repairs. 

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The maintenance proposals aim to make journey times more reliable and safer and reduce the occurrence of road closures along this key route due to highways defects.

The improvements aim to support local communities and the economy; helping to better connect people to jobs, goods and services while also supporting inward investment capitalising on Cumbria’s natural, manufacturing, nuclear and energy expertise, and potential in this area - aiming to strengthen and diversify the economy whilst help grow the visitor economy along coastal routes. 

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “The Government’s Levelling Up Fund is designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life, and these schemes would do just that. The plans will provide a more resilient highway network, improving access to employment opportunities and services which are essential to help connect people with the places they need to get to.”

A decision from government is expected in the Autumn.

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