Sandgate and Fell Lane, Penrith

We’re developing a scheme in Penrith to improve accessibility for walking and wheeling between residential areas, Beaconside School, and the Sandgate area of the town centre.

Status: Preliminary design
Funding: Local Transport Grant, Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF), Eden Road Safety Fund
Policy Framework: Penrith Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

Project description

The scheme provides accessibility improvements at a key junction of Sandgate and Fell Lane, and along adjoining routes. The scheme connects the Fell Lane to Scaws residential area of Penrith, with Sandgate as a gateway to Penrith Town Centre.  

The scheme aims to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel, or cycle to Beaconside School, Penrith Bus Station, and the town centre. 

The route is also sited on two sections of the National Cycle Network (NCN). Road safety benefits will be delivered for all road users. 

The scheme will support and complement the new 20mph zone in Penrith being implemented in 2026.

The improvements will include the following:

  • an improved and safer junction at the current two mini-roundabouts on Sandgate and Fell Lane
  • safer and more accessible crossing locations
  • wider footways 
  • new zebra crossings
  • landscaping improvements in Sandgate

Timescales

Timescales for the preliminary design stage include:

  • design development (February to September 2026)
  • stakeholder engagement (February to November 2026) 
  • public consultation (12 October to 13 November 2026)
  • completion of the design (November 2026)

Future timescales are expected to be:

  • detailed design work (Spring 2027 to Summer 2027)
  • construction (Autumn 2027 to Winter 2027/28)

Consultation and engagement

We will engage with stakeholders to inform the development of the design. This engagement will take place between February and November 2026.

Public consultation will take place between Monday 12 October and Friday 13 November 2026. This will include:

  • an in-person consultation event at Penrith Library on 14 October 2026 between 1pm and 5pm
  • an online consultation

The public will be able to look at the designs and provide feedback via a questionnaire. 

We will publish a Public Consultation Report in Winter 2026/27. Feedback from the public consultation will inform further design work at the detailed design stage. 

Contact us

Email: Active.Travel.WAF@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk