A new road bridge at Grizebeck has officially opened, marking a major milestone in Westmorland and Furness Council’s A595 improvement scheme.
Those leading the delivery of the project visited the site on Friday (31 October) to celebrate this significant step forward in the £23.3 million Department for Transport-funded scheme.
The scheme is creating a new 0.8-mile single carriageway between Chapels and Grizebeck village, designed to improve safety, journey times and resilience along one of Cumbria’s key transport routes.
With the bridge initially anticipated to open early November, traffic was welcomed onto the bridge one week ahead of schedule on Monday 27 October, with the finishing touches completed over the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November.
The new bridge structure is clad with locally sourced Burlington stone and the bridge abutments and approach ramps have been constructed re-using some of the 72,000 tonnes of material excavated on-site at Penn Hill while creating the route of the new road.
This use of locally sourced materials has helped reduce the construction phase carbon footprint and supports local businesses. Landscaped stormwater drainage basins and biodiversity habitat areas adjacent to the bridge will further mitigate the environmental impact of the scheme.
The structure provides a safe, permanent crossing over what will become the new section of the A595, maintaining access to the southern end of Grizebeck and the surrounding farmland.
It will also bring benefits throughout the remainder of the scheme by separating construction traffic away from the public highway, minimising delays in narrow sections and reducing the need for crossing points and traffic lights on the road network.
During the visit, Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, joined council officers and representatives from Team Barrow and Story Contracting to mark the achievement.
Councillor Thornton, said:
“The opening of the new bridge represents a significant milestone for the A595 improvement scheme. It’s a key step towards a safer and more efficient route for everyone who relies on this vital connection.
“The bridge maintains access for local people and farm vehicles and also helps reduce disruption by taking construction traffic off the existing A595. Its design, featuring locally quarried Burlington stone, reflects the character and heritage of the area and will stand as a lasting feature in the landscape.
“This project will create a lasting legacy for the community by improving connectivity, supporting the local economy, and showcasing what can be achieved through strong local partnerships.”
Andy Clode, Construction Director at Story Contracting, said:
“Seeing the bridge deck in place has been brilliant for the project team and for the local community, as it feels like the opening is now not far away.
“I would just like to thank the council and project team as well as our fantastic supply chain who have all worked together to achieve this significant milestone”.
The Grizebeck improvement scheme forms part of the Team Barrow programme, a partnership between the Government, Westmorland and Furness Council, and BAE Systems which has contributed £10.5 million to support the works.
The investment aligns with Team Barrow’s wider objectives to transform local infrastructure, boost skills and housing, and sustain future employment growth at BAE Systems, strengthening Barrow’s role as the home of the UK’s submarine-building capability.
Peter Anstiss, Chief Executive Officer of Team Barrow, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the progress that has been made in delivering this important infrastructure project. Improving the area’s transport network is a key focus of our 10-year plan and the enhancements to the A595 will make a vital contribution to this.”
Other recent milestones in the A595 programme include the completion of new culvert works to carry becks and watercourses below the new road, all including safe routes for wildlife too.
Over the winter months, works will continue to divert utilities in the existing road at Chapels so that a new, improved junction can be constructed. The A595 will also be widened at the northern end of the village to facilitate the construction of the new road junction next year, ready for a programmed opening of the new road in Summer 2026.
Residents and businesses are invited to the Community Hall in Grizebeck on Wednesday, 3 December, between 3pm and 6pm to meet the project team, learn more about upcoming works and have an opportunity to ask questions.
More information on the A595 improvement scheme can be found on the council’s website or by following the council's social media accounts.
