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24/10/03 - A6 Sizergh Bypass repairs under way

Work has begun in readiness for a major repair scheme to the A6 at Low Sizergh, where the top surface is cracking because of aging problems with the roadbase underneath. 

County Councillor Kevan Wilkinson, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said:

“Major works like these inevitably result in some disruption, but it is essential that the road is repaired in this financial year or it will become unsafe. We have planned the scheme so that the disruption is minimised and will last for as short a time as possible.

“All businesses directly affected by the scheme have been consulted and are broadly supportive.”

Construction started on Monday, October 20, of two central reservation crossovers which form part of a contraflow system to help manage the traffic while the work is carried out.  A 30mph speed restriction along the part of the A6 affected by the works will also be in place during the period of the scheme and police patrols and cameras will enforce the limit.  Recovery vehicles will be used when the contraflow is in operation to ensure swift removal of any broken-down vehicles.

The overall scheme duration is four weeks but the contraflow will only run for two weeks from October 26. Hawes Lane and Whetstone Lane will only be closed during the contraflow period.The slip road at Brettagh Holt will remain open throughout the scheme unless it becomes necessary to close it for road safety reasons. In this case an 11km diversion will be brought into operation.

The contraflow will ensure a safe working environment for all operatives. It will also shorten the time taken for the work, ultimately reducing the amount of disruption to the travelling public.

Repairs will take place on about 900m of carriageway on the southbound carriageway of the A6 at Low Sizergh. The underlying concrete base has hardened and lost its elasticity through aging and this has led to cracking of the top surface. The works, which are costing £297,000, should be complete by November 16.