A595 Grizebeck improvement
This project aims to help boost economic growth in the area by creating a resilient route that will support the safe and reliable movement of goods and people into, around, and out of Barrow-in-Furness.
Road safety and access to local communities such as Grizebeck Village will benefit.
Project details
The A595 Grizebeck improvement scheme is a 1.4 kilometre single carriageway road between Chapels and Grizebeck on the A595 north of Barrow.
We have been awarded £23.31 million toward the scheme by the Department for Transport.
The route runs to the east of the existing A595, past properties at Dove Bank and Dove Ford Farm, before crossing the existing A595 and then forming a new junction with the A595/A5092 to the west of the existing junction.
Story Contracting Limited are the lead contractor and works have now begun on site.
Our A595 Grizebeck improvement video includes:
- route maps
- artists impressions of the completed work
- a video, fly through, following the new route
A595 Grizebeck Improvement video, YouTube
Road closures and restrictions
The C5013 (known as the ‘Mousetrap’) is a narrow route with few passing places. To ensure the safety of the site operatives and general road users, this road is now closed.
From 13th January 2025, HGVs over 7.5 tonnes will be restricted from the A595 from Grizebeck to School Road in Kirkby-in-Furness throughout the construction phase of the scheme. To further reinforce the restriction, Story Contracting Limited have installed additional traffic restriction signage on the network.
HGVs can continue to access the area if providing a service to businesses and properties within the restriction or to access the site. Access for all emergency services and buses will be maintained throughout.
Scheme update, September 2025
Works have continued to progress well over the past months, with significant developments across the site.
At Chapels, the site compound has been relocated to the west side of the temporary road. This road has moved traffic clear of the works are, so we can start drainage and utility diversion works.
The construction of the dry-stone boundary wall is ongoing and advancing steadily from south to north on the eastern boundary of the project.
The major excavation works on Penn Hill are going well as we work towards reaching formation level. We have found that we won't need to blast rock.
Works on the Accommodation Bridge are going well. The bridge deck installed and waterproofing completed. Masonry cladding is well underway, and safety barriers are now visible. The bridge is on track to open in early November when through traffic can be diverted to this route.
In-water works have been ongoing. A minor water course and Grizebeck have now been placed in culverts beneath the new road alignment. These culverts include features to support wildlife including natural riverbed materials, bat and bird boxes and otter ledges. Monitoring ecologists captured and re-released wildlife including river trout and eels before and after works to minimise impact on the local ecology. Ellermire bridge has also been widened in ready for increasing the road width to accommodate the new junction at the north of the scheme.
Upcoming Works
What you can expect to see over the next few months:
- Chapels drainage works including excavation of attenuation ponds and close to the Community Hall. Utility diversion works are to continue across the scheme
- Penn Hill earthworks including continued excavation of the rock face and road profile
- Accommodation Bridge opening is scheduled for early November
- Community Hall car park will be closed whilst levels are raised and the surface is paved. Re-opening is programmed for early November.
Contact us
If you have any queries or comments about the project or would like to be added to our mailing list to receive updates, contact our project team: