As part of a £37.7 million highways investment programme to improve and repair defective drainage and road surfaces, works will be starting at the end of October on a two-phase scheme on the A592 at Glenridding and Patterdale.
Drainage work (phase 1) will begin on the A592 at Seldom Seen, approximately half a mile north of Glenridding, on Monday, 27 October, and will require a full temporary road closure for two days.
The works comprise deep excavation the full width of the carriageway around an 11kV power cable, to make necessary repairs to a culvert beneath the road surface to improve drainage and highway safety.
Westmorland and Furness Council has carefully planned the timing of the works during the half-term holidays to minimise impact on school transport and before the onset of the worst of winter conditions.
Resurfacing work (phase 2) will commence on Monday, 3 November, under a temporary road closure for up to 5 days, on the A592 between The Estate and Patterdale Church.
Works will take place under the temporary road closure from 09.15hrs to 15.00hrs to maintain access for school transport around the main school delivery and pick-up times and around people’s main travel-to-work times. The works comprise the removal of the existing road surface and replacement with a new surface course and will also include drainage repairs. Outside the specified working hours, the road will be open with traffic controlled via traffic signals and convoy vehicle control.
Letters have been sent to affected residents in Glenridding and Patterdale area.
Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout the works with traffic marshalls on site 24 hours and provision made to allow emergency vehicles ONLY over the excavation at Seldom Seen if required. Bus companies and waste and recycling collection services will be informed so they can make alternative arrangements.
Signed diversions will also be in place during the temporary road closures.
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.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We have been in contact with community representatives and key businesses about the forthcoming works and have been particularly mindful of scheduling works to minimise the impact on school transport.
“We have also considered community requests that the works be carried out overnight to minimise daytime disruptions.
“However, following detailed discussions with the contractors, we regret that we are unable to undertake these improvements working at night due to health and safety implications, particularly where some of the work involves some precision excavation around a major power cable.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly and have carefully considered all the options and listened to the views expressed by the community before reaching the decision, but we must prioritise health and safety.
“As always, we recognise the impact of any highways works on the A592 and apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused while we undertake these necessary works, that will ultimately benefit all users of these routes, with improved road surfaces and drainage.
“We will continue to work closely with the contractors to carefully balance the health and safety of operatives, the timely delivery of the project, and the minimisation of disruption to residents, schools, and local businesses and we’d like to thank drivers and residents in advance for their patience and support whilst we improve the network for everyone.’’