Resurfacing work will start on sections of the A6 through Shap village on Monday (23 June).
Part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s £37.7 million highways and transport investment programme to improve infrastructure and tackle potholes, the works in Shap will be undertaken in two phases and will require a temporary road closure for 21 days.
Phase 1, on the stretch of the A6 from Green House to Ullsmoor, will start on Monday (23 June), with phase 2 following on the stretch between Bampton junction and the north end of the 40mph signs. The road closure period will cover completion of both phases, but the closures will only affect the phase being worked on at any time - ie access to the phase 2 stretch will be possible while phase 1 work is being completed, and vice versa.
The works will comprise the removal of the existing road surface and replacing with a new surface course and binder courses as required and will also include repairs to the highway drainage system.
Letters have already been sent to residents in Shap, the parish council and schools advising about the works and residents living in properties affected by the closure have been advised to liaise with contractors over vehicle access arrangements.
Access for emergency vehicles and pedestrian access to properties will be maintained throughout the works. Bus companies (including school transport providers) and waste and recycling collection services have been informed so they can make alternative arrangements.
Signed diversions will be in place during the temporary road closures via the M6 with alternative diversions for non-motorway vehicles.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused while we undertake this necessary work in Shap and would like to thank drivers and residents for their patience and support whilst we improve the network for everyone.
“Westmorland and Furness Council is responsible for maintaining 2,600 miles of adopted roads across the area. It is an ageing asset that requires ongoing investment to ensure residents are kept safe and moving.
“We’re investing in a comprehensive programme of improvements to highways and transport that includes even more pothole repairs to build on the 33,000 we fixed last year, full resurfacing of 59 roads on our priority network and surface dressing on a further 73 routes.
“Other vital upgrades will be delivered in repairs and maintenance, including for bridges and structures, footway resurfacing, public rights of way, drainage, street lighting and traffic signals.’’
The schemes set to benefit from the investment have been carefully prioritised based on proactive safety inspections and assessments, carried out throughout the year, ensuring funding is directed where it is needed most.
Capital improvements delivered on the Westmorland and Furness highway network, including the repair of potholes and carriageway surfaces, are not funded by Council Tax. They are funded by money directly allocated by the Department for Transport. The funding allocated to the council must be spent on activities that will extend the life of an asset or improve structural integrity.