21/1/2010 - More measures to ease traffic congestion in west Cumbria

Measures to tackle traffic congestion following the Cumbria floods are being introduced at a busy roundabout near Cockermouth.

Cumbria Highways is set to make changes on the approach to the Belle Vue roundabout on the A595 this weekend that will improve traffic flow between the A66, A595 and A594.

A dedicated left turning lane that will start around 60 meters from the roundabout, with the appropriate signs and white lines, is being created for northbound traffic turning from the roundabout onto the A594. 

Alongside providing a temporary road bridge in Workington, tackling congestion is a top priority for the county council.

Having a specific lane for left turning traffic starting further back from the roundabout means two lines of vehicles will be able to approach the junction at the same time, therefore speeding movment of traffic onto the A594, particularly at peak afternoon times.

Work to put in the new system is due to take place this weekend to minimise disruption and it will be operational on Monday (January 25).

Since Northside bridge was destroyed and Calva bridge condemned by November’s unprecedented floods, vehicles travelling from the north side of Workington to the south have had to use an alternative route via the A66, A595 and A594, massively increasing the number of vehicles using the Fitz and Belle Vue roundabouts.

This big increase in traffic volumes has lead to congestion, particularly at peak times.

The county council has investigated options including traffic lights and alterations to the road layout as a way of reducing congestion and putting in a left turning lane was decided to be the most effective method for tackling the problem.

While changes at the Belle Vue roundabout should help with congestion, people are still being encouraged to use public transport and the free train shuttle service where possible.

Councillor Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: "We understand people’s frustrations about traffic congestion and tackling it is a priority - we are doing all we can to alleviate the problem while there is no direct road link between the north and south sides of Workington.

"These changes we’re making at the roundabout will go some way to helping traffic flow more smoothly, but people can also contribute to cutting congestion by using public transport if they can."

Isel bridge near Cockermouth, which has been closed as the roads surrounding it are not suited to heavy volumes of traffic, re-opened yesterday to cyclists and pedestrians.

An updated list of frequently asked questions on flood recovery regarding roads and bridges is available on Cumbria County Council’s website at the following link www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/544/3887/5894/40196161935.pdf

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226330