Local residents, businesses and road users are being invited to have their say on proposals to enhance the A595 near Bothel.
Cumbria County Council is launching a consultation on Monday 17 June to seek people’s views on the latest designs. Further development of the designs has been undertaken in response to the initial consultation held in November/December 2018.
A range of opportunities are being provided for people to find out more and share their views. People can give their feedback by going online at cumbria.gov.uk/A595Bothel, where consultation information and a questionnaire form will be available from 17 June. A public consultation drop-in event is being held at Bothel Village Hall on Thursday 20 June between 4pm and 8pm.
The consultation will close on Monday 1 July 2019.
The A595 is an important route in Cumbria. A reliable and resilient A595 is essential to support economic growth in Cumbria. But its current capability for serving as a strategic and local connector route is not being met – there is congestion in places; unreliable journey times and road safety concerns. The proposals will help to rectify these issues by providing safe overtaking opportunities and improved alignment at other sections to enhance forward visibility The scheme also provides for a number of redesigned junctions which will improve visibility and layouts.
Feedback from the consultation will be used to help county council produce a business case for the proposed improvement to demonstrate why the scheme is needed and the benefits it will bring – helping to secure the government funding needed to deliver the scheme.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “The county council is working hard to secure improvements to the A595 in the Bothel area because we believe it’s a really important scheme. The improvements will not only improve journey times and help boost the county’s economy but also create a safer and more resilient road network.
“We asked for people’s views on the improvements late last year and we’re now consulting on updated designs in response to feedback from the initial consultation held in November/December 2018. I’d strongly encourage people to take the time to get involved and give us their feedback – it’s important that local people have their say, so we can develop the best possible scheme.”