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Developing Sustainable 2008 to 2028

Routes to a p rosperous Cumbria A review of Cumbria’s transport investment needs Breathtaking coastlines and landscapes

of world renown exist alongside historic urban settlements and degraded

industrial townscapes of hidden potential contents

p4 1 Introduction p5 2 Summary of key transport issues facing Cumbria Sub Region p6-8 3 The Vision for a Modern and Efficient Infrastructure p9 4 Road and Rail Links between the West Coast and M6 and p10 5 Bridge and West Coast Highway p11 6 West Coast Main Rail Line p12 7 Trans-Pennine Links p13 8 Transport to serve Rural Communities p14-16 9 Reducing Congestion, Climate Change and Improving Public Health p17 10 Air Transport p18 11 Seaports p19-20 12 Capital Funding for the Cumbria Highway and Transport Network p21-22 13 Barrow and p23-26 14 and North Cumbria p27-28 15 National Park p29-31 16 South and East Cumbria p32-35 17 West Cumbria p36 18 Conclusion

 1 2 Introduction

1.1 This document ‘Routes to a Prosperous 1.4 Proposed transport infrastructure Cumbria’ sets out a vision of an improved transport improvements are developed within the context of infrastructure focussed on economic growth and the Planning System, key objectives of which are quality of place. Its purpose is to demonstrate the to give support to and ensure thriving sustainable level of improvement needed to bring the transport communities, manage resources in a sustainable infrastructure of Cumbria up to a modern standard, way and minimise any environmental impact. it is not a plan of improvements. Partners will work towards providing improved infrastructure through 1.5 The overall transport planning context is set the Local Transport Plan, Highways Agency, out in the Local Transport Plan (LTP) which makes Regional Funding and other funding allocations explicit the role of transport in achieving the and opportunities. It supports the aspirations of wider goals for Cumbria including accessibility, the Cumbria Community Strategy which sets out a economic development, public health and safety, sustainable approach to securing economic growth, climate change and the quality of place. Personal social progress and environmental protection and mobility remains paramount in Cumbria in order enhancement in Cumbria over the next twenty to sustain thriving communities particularly for years. It also supports a range of other economic, sparsely populated rural areas, but a reduction in development & regeneration strategies and spatial the unnecessary movement of people and freight master plans that have been developed around the is a desirable objective for both consumers and country. policy makers to strive for. A modern and efficient transport infrastructure in terms of climate change, 1.2 In proposing improved transport infrastructure public health and management of resources

Introduction in pursuit of economic growth, implementation remains a basic requirement for a sustainable plans will be subject to assessments at stages in economy. their development to identify potential impacts on European sites. Relevant plans include Area 1.6 The process and level of known transport Transport Plans and Economic Plans. In developing funds available for local and regional determination proposals for transport schemes options will be are unlikely to be productive or sufficient in making developed and evaluated for alternative ways the significant improvement to the Cumbrian of delivering the desired outcomes as part of transport infrastructure required to support the the process including demand management and aspirations of the county council and it’s partners in alternative mode options. the Cumbria Strategic Partnership (CSP). Therefore alternative funding sources need to be identified 1.3 Proposed transport schemes will be designed and this document is published to assist in securing and implemented to improve environmental and such funding. social outcomes. This will include any schemes promoted by the county council being required 1.7 Achievement of results by the council and to comply with Habitat Regulations, being subject the CSP will be measured by the Government to statutory consultations and being subject to through a new set of national indicators that has Environmental Impact Assessments. Detailed been developed to replace the existing Best Value social impact assessments will be made for each Performance indicators. In each area, targets proposal as it is developed to address equity and against the set of 198 national indicators will be inclusion issues. Schemes will also be subject to negotiated through new Local Area Agreements. robust economic justification and value for money These include targets that relate to transport and its appraisal. wider policy impacts. Each Agreement will include up to 35 priority targets from among the national indicators.   1  developmental building designations Park The 2.2 into factor in markets. distant commercial the the Road 2.4 The remoteness economically For 2.3 network. Cumbria 2.1 throughout coast potential to growth eastwards remain . The 2.5 and to for towns problems The 2.6 to freight travel access in the a link exploit attract modern east M6 consequent the Republic dispersed status communities longer west unable to with transport, from is inadequate. zone, airport and Sub of and This the and also cruise of the the Summary of key transport issues facing issues transport key of Summary topography county county’s and the and the of the and living. and investment regional, sparsity main Region. difficulties have distances denied isolation facilities Sub competitive of east improve to the required ccounty population County benefits Government’s is and westwards various liners. retention isolation Ireland. support rail particularly geographically needs county line Region As constrained coast of settlement a Improved communications and parts Furness a national European they rail is their of to will to and in to of other result direct ports, all

further and Cumbria, needs and realise many this satisfy to attracting the a with routes are of assist offer quality the the modern become unitised the and landscape Northern pattern Cumbria Sub Region Sub Cumbria perception people county’s is attraction external air and also road Northern consequent facilities of industrial accentuated to a hub. for their their passing communities sub-region isolated services West contributing the be of National European required investment alternative and transport between cargos results Improved need needs economic life. dispelled. smaller seaports links Way Cumbria of required Ireland railway of west through and to to the and and a are generally by to demand. are larger distance urban Climate • The • High • Environmental • The • Public • Localised • The • Rapid • the The 2.7 be car able constrained. and injured potential European relative pollution and context economically areas urban usage existing perception peripheral obesity up, journeys, to High toll not transport changes health provide on to change. of: in sometimes areas of in investors commercially as congestion markets Regional, volumes the Cumbria’s urban people reliance Locally frequent concerns some protection county’s location and active. in of issues for recent inaccessibility and a of cause killed public provided from National on and limited bus relative should local This including tourist viable roads of car years, outside and services consequent delays Cumbria funding is car travel proportion be dominated wealth areas rail outside and seriously both traffic seen to asthma on Cumbria. services are sources longer down the air in in of

2

 Summary of key transport issues facing Cumbria Sub Region 3  The Vision for a Modern and Efficient Infrastructure to by attracting links infrastructure bus require agreed prosperity. accessibility of be To • priorities: established The 3.3 economy. stimulating Regional (RDA) Way. the A 3.2 sought. The 3.1 is communities be infrastructure To • To • for at acknowledged The environment visitors best productivity a sustaining the local between airports improving reduced, those specific approach infrastructure value prerequisite achievable. to improve improve improve This pan-regional led without our improvements that travel. key which and new of Northern sub partnership, is and Ease most transport three and a the to Government they services and a tourism the of sought bus/rail City to modern regional surface road access investors. Although Regional detracting jobs, and coordinating reduce external north’s to of existing development therefore disadvantaged Sustainable enhance core come to Regional Cumbria’s access level. improvements Way and increase for The Vision for a Modern and Modern a for Vision The to goods schemes and to to services transport access and which city road the strategic to all Development walking, the distances and This rail economy Strategy Northern growth from the experience will will the county’s modes regions. efficient and activity north’s links casualties, improvements additional the will internal adds standards economic Efficient Infrastructure Efficient to is that environment. strengthen contribute and the investment services the areas. partners the sustainability strategy be cycling within to that are cannot will and quality value Way the sea economy infrastructure through Northern north’s achieved access transport will Agency to improve influences road/rail Local to ports protect activity of and will argues be to are and the be of will for the the is The • Cumbria • improved The • not . However, 3.4 of would the a . Usefully 3.5 visitors the This 3.6 West number and passenger and of to reduced cyclists of and measures, “balanced have the climate new for spatial even weak productivity. Cumbrian shows productivity economic recommendations prosperous widening urban the be the Cumbria. conurbations. area address the other by Coast rural Cumbria specific Northern county reinforce Strategy whole to and development ensuring regard of road more by and transport issues that connectivity. the distribution adverse change improvements vision rail and and appropriate pedestrians. Main is the the package driver. economy. area. the network. emphasis critical it however, considered areas transport measures impacts. to freight Coast Therefore, issues and is the the recognises therefore Way gap that must needs A the Line. productivity objectives. connectivity impacts

importance Northern similar This opportunities incorporates of to the between for raises environmental be Line, to in transport, of For There the The address of of the schemes Recent traffic relating neglects be to Such the Cumbria design measures” delivered not in coming the local instance: of Furness North approach that public strategy Northern part the sub the are considered Way Traffic vehicles Northern measures that the management base analysis of the possibility residents this and strategy public region. of to that a the but provision transport, in in most from the weakens taking strategy Line, significant connecting current the focussing relevant emphasises qualities congestion these many terms new distinctly improve makes Way in promotion will north’s transport and Cumbria’s Way of Cumbria will and to by and layout account are of be of GVA parts argues for does least the need no to the of is on on of 3 3 3

Motorway Trunk Roads Other Strategic Roads Railways

M6 to Scotland & Ireland A7 A69 to Tyneside Brampton

CNDR Carlisle Tyne Valley A689 A595 railway

A596 M6 Alston Settle-Carlisle A689 railway Cumbria Coastal Railway B5305 A595 A686 A66(T) Penrith A66(T) A595(T) A66(T)

Keswick Appleby M6 Brough West Coast Main Line A66(T) to East Kirkby Coast Ports A6 A685 Stephen

Windermere A591 A684 The Vision for a Modern and Efficient Infrastructure Cumbria Coastal A595 Railway

A5092 A590(T)

A595 A65(T) Furness M6 railway to NW , Midlands & Barrow-in-Furness Channel Tunnel

 3  The Vision for a Modern and Efficient Infrastructure footway encourages

Improve • Support • Seek • Reduce • emissions . The 3.8 Seek • Lobby • Promote • Seek • Cumbria Lobby • . The 3.7 developing freight transport, arrangements areas improve and Government’s passenger West Cumbrian to Main the upgrade west links optimum to to materials Coast Line are: for for and by priority council congestion achieve improve reopening landside surface approaches the coast recycling to walking improvements the its Coast services cruise and east Main case own continued Northern for capital and as transport for secure a access road Rail and the access for operations highway liner Line and greater of reconstruction. in Carlisle the for to national Line county carriageway south urban maintenance and Cumbria business. M6 cycling the reduce Way enhancement to objectives to use rail access authority future and Airport to ports areas highway and growth investment link of links CO West along public to of in in Cumbria and and 2 for and funding between

facilitate the particular is with zone Coast network of the tourist rail the Plan be The 3.9 all Minimise • Reduce • transport Reduce • Enhance • Increase • Provide • Safeguard • visual on primary the good is transport pursued (LTP2) impaired the consumption design intrusion measures road achievement the crime effectively materials policy in the the developments”. air, natural the number network use public and noise and context T2 will, of of appropriate “principles for resources disorder. and sustainable energy realm and of where people of these light severity In the through and their applicable: – objectives pollution Local applying whose materials minimising modes extraction of design the Transport casualties mobility use and to will all of of 4  3  providing with Barrow Carlisle. the . Rail 4.3 to The 4.2 England. access (WCML) The 4.1 Airport West Line intercity South 41 are other the the multiple highest from axis difficult the from and southwards transport as the Furness Cumbria Carlisle The Both to roads road the Silloth. the challenges Road and Rail Links between the WestCoast the between Links Rail and Road to West M6 worst Lake North only priority current from air through crossings routes industrial the provides in Cumbria, Wigton West two are to levels and topography follows is via and and a deprivation services motorway The District M6 provide and links. Coast 10% Carlisle the for provided areas M6 respectively links corridor areas the upgrading continue areas to Cumbria connections sea-ports the and M6 and West Coast Main Line Main WestCoast and M6 and the Furness and direct county. of then and to the of and access decline, nationally. The coast. to the providing Main National unemployment Scottish of east the at although the the West is these for west its continues passing West coast Furness link A590 Preston. by passenger area and the in provision northwards Kent Line primary through side Routed regeneration. continuation Line from Alternative for the of the the evidenced and between Coast areas principal to protective border Coast of of the from Park for international and They and of the main at county B5305 the and London on Morecambe south West The to the alongside Lancaster A74 regular road to Main A595 connect of A66/A595 Leven which a services Lancaster north are link Main and West direct Manchester will Cumbrian into county, Scotland north–south appropriate direct rail Cumbria and of between by from as and designations and separated through They Line indices complete principal England to estuaries, Scotland. passenger access presents the Line the Cumbria road among to travel. and from West each junction access rail other they by Bay to suffer B5302 and trunk Coast from links to of to link to services. Sellafield to for to towns. services lines and investigation diverting and . The 4.4 secure Kimberley NWRA been problems analytical study’s identified outwith longer environmental recommended study reasonable enhancements Barrow, Newcastle, connections Workington, Drigg is acknowledged in further Apart term consultation associated the and 2004. to This rail and and measures inadequacies work Clark and providing Whitehaven timescale bounds interventions NWDA and freight from line benefits. services issues. Millom. impact considered strategy The major to and and can nuclear continues London with occasional process, outcome of were onto consideration who as less UCB. of and be manufacturers affordability, Rail terminate which the and a the of and this an frequent developed industry jointly regional to and timeliness; freight these ports The round study intermediate document opportunity of be line some included: through other issue the within commissioned at links of needs horizon. on at services the of issue study Carlisle Barrow deliverability, interventions Iggesund, from intercity Sellafield of these the some have coast services the review, network further by to was the The to the a a 4

 Road and Rail Links between the West Coast and M6 and West Coast Main Line 5 Morecambe Bay Bridge 6 and West Coast Highway

5.1 Morecambe Bay Bridge, the ‘Bridge 5.2 The West Coast Highway project across the Bay’ is an independently promoted is supported as a package of highway project to extract tidal energy from Morecambe improvements which would contribute to levelling Bay for public consumption. The concept the competitive playing field for existing and envisages a structure across Morecambe Bay potential new industries based in Furness and from Heysham to Barrow which could also be West Cumbria. This would include a crossing of used as a transport link with facilities for cyclists. the Duddon Estuary and upgrade of the A5093 Connecting to the proposed Heysham to M6 and A595 throughout to connect to the M6 via Link in , such a road bridge would the Carlisle Northern Development Route. provide the most direct link possible between the Furness area and the south of the region and 5.3 Apart from the dual carriageway majority of the country. This project is supported provision of the Parton to Lillyhall improvement as a longer term project which would level the to accommodate high traffic flows between competitive playing field for existing and the Whitehaven and Workington, single potential new industries based in Furness and carriageway standard is proposed for such a West Cumbria. West Coast Highway. West Coast West Highway

10 5 6 West Coast Main Rail Line

6.1 The West Coast Main Line is the key 6.6 The aim is to secure the modernisation rail artery on the mainland, and upgrading of the West Coast Main Line providing links for Cumbria with London, the to provide a vital transport artery fit for the heavily urbanised West Midlands, the Mersey 21st century. To ensure that the route continues Belt and the Scottish Central Belt. It has a to receive investment to upgrade stations vital role in national transport infrastructure, and improvements in capacity to meet future both for carriage of short and long-distance demands for passengers and freight, the passengers and freight and as a result carries following are sought: a higher density of rail traffic than almost any other comparable long-distance rail route in • Maintenance of funding by Government to Europe. Current projections of rail traffic growth complete the current phase of modernisation suggest that traffic over the route (measured in by December 2008 passenger kilometres) will double in the decade • Ensure that a future maintenance regime will up to 2016. retain the route at the highest standards on completion of the upgrade 6.2 The route between London and Glasgow • Identify future route capacity problems and has recently been cleared throughout for 125 plan pro-activity for growth to accommodate mph running by the fleet of Pendolino tilting congestion both on and off the railway trains. However several other major projects on • Implement a rolling programme of station parts of the route are planned for completion by improvements, including potential EU support December 2008 to permit further improvements and partnership with other organisations to journey times. • Review inter-regional and local train service patterns, including stopping patterns at 6.3 The route is also expected to see a smaller stations

considerable growth in rail freight which brings • Retain existing and introduce direct cross Coast West Main Rail Line its own challenge in matching capacity for country services to new destinations for freight with high-speed passenger services. Cumbrian WCML stations • Improve connections policy at key 6.4 The route currently also carries cross interchange stations country services to Scottish destinations and • Resist the proposed reduction in Cumbria to Birmingham, which is the hub on the cross stops on the WCML country network for connections to other areas • Improve future rolling stock to maximise the of England and Wales. value of the route as a high-speed line • Strengthen Pendolino trains to ten cars to 6.5 As the demand for more freight access, alleviate expected overcrowding more stopping passenger services in Cumbria • Develop diversionary and alternative routes and direct services to new destinations increases for passengers and freight traffic so the provision of fast, reliable, passenger • Develop a maintenance technology that will services to strategic destinations becomes more permit full seven day operation on the major difficult. The latter would be best served by a routes new high-speed line in the West Coast corridor. • Seek a Government commitment to a new high-speed line in the West Coast corridor by 2020.

11 7 12 Trans-Pennine Links contribute of economic transport Way’ the Humber North road A 7.1 with South of the Tyneside, subject Greater and growth Yorkshire highest East number regions. links rail growth. to of of Wearside, and Manchester zone. links England the standard to in of these The benefit Government’s these

for trans-Pennine It large is the and city so Teesside, two essential from and county that sub urban Yorkshire regions Merseyside their Cumbria regions ‘Northern Trans-PennineLinks routes West with that conurbations planned together and Cumbria’s the and are provide can the are crosses The 7.2 and the Gap Carlisle Valley routes the Gap and between trunk A1 Settle A685 A66 between accommodates roads – Railway in the and the Cumbria respectively. the to Tyne are connect A69 Carlisle Newcastle. east. Penrith strategic – Valley both trunk and The the railway through the and running accommodates Further road West Principal M6 feeders The A65 Scotch in and for A66 Yorkshire. the trunk south, between the to connections Roads the Corner. trunk west the road the Tyne two A69 A689 road to Aire and Both 8 7 8 Transport to serve Rural Communities

8.1 Rural communities are highly dependent 8.5 Rural Wheels is an important element on car use to access jobs, goods and services. of transport provision in remote rural areas To reduce this dependency a number of in Carlisle, Eden and South Lakes districts. It passenger transport measures have been put in uses a network of existing transport providers place. to provide subsidised travel and focuses on linking remoter rural areas with public transport 8.2 Scheduled passenger transport in Cumbria and service centres. Residents are required to is complemented by the Community Minibus register for Rural Wheels and are issued with Brokerage Scheme, Voluntary Car Schemes and a Smartcard, the service can be used twice a Rural Wheels, a demand responsive transport week and operates between 9am-5pm. Journeys service. are requested 48 hours in advance through a central booking service. 8.3 The Brokerage Schemes are operated by community transport providers which are revenue 8.6 Sustaining public passenger transport supported by the county council. Over 30 buses, in rural areas requires on-going investment most of which are wheelchair accessible, are of public funds which remain under severe available for hire at affordable rates to groups pressure. Ways of making such schemes more and organisations within the community that are sustainable are sought including other sources ‘not for profit’. Many of these groups would find of funding and applying best practice. This will it difficult to continue their activities without the be of particular importance if such transport affordability offered by the Brokerages. Typical measures are to provide access to employment. journeys include accessing sports and healthy pursuits, training facilities, educational or social visits and leisure activities.

8.4 In rural areas where there is little or no passenger transport the Voluntary Car Scheme

offers subsidised travel to individuals who do not Transport to serve Rural Communities have their own means of transport. This scheme has played a vital role in rural areas for many years. Local volunteers provide the service which makes it possible for residents to access local services and to attend appointments. Schemes also exist in a number of towns where residents find it difficult to use passenger transports due to impaired mobility.

13 9 14 Reducing Congestion, Climate Change and improving Public Health West pass sub-regions. level to congestion as industrial nor not Generally 9.1 towns, in situated does of through Barrow, Cumbria. urban it Reducing Congestion, Climate Change Climate Congestion, Reducing development significant on experience adjacent However town Carlisle, congestion its Cumbria strategic centres congestion and improving Public Health Public improving and to where Kendal, or to principal the other doesn’t experienced inter-urban and strategic same Ulverston where employment problems suffer access extent routes routes areas by from and routes occur the most are for wasted road The 9.2 due are residential towns for for potential to Cycling 9.3 urban reduced exist bus economy, excessive goods distances local situated and to in traffic and areas. increased Cumbria during rail by trips area and dirt health negative areas. into congestion a centrally use between to and modal services to of journeys towns work and work to and growth CO noise. achieve impacts shift car within environment and where and and 1 is include made, and in a These sharing. to CO education school most cycling this of 2 walking, the 5 2 - this

poor time 3 impacts miles. emissions, shift attractive main miles Opportunities and would localised is lost air particularly in within cycling, The attractors to of quality the on and

be access large option main the fuel 9 9 9

9.4 Local measures are being identified, done to encourage transport modal shift for mainly through the school travel plans and work access to, and movement within the Lake District, travel plans that are being developed across and to promote non-car-based activities such as the county, which will assist in promoting this cycling and walking.

shift in travel behaviour and help to lessen CO2 emissions which are causing climate change. 9.6 Over the last 15 years a cycle network which is part of the National Cycle Network has 9.5 Motor vehicle congestion also occurs at been taking shape in Cumbria. This is well used holiday times around the more popular tourist by both walkers and cyclists. It links into most of destinations, in particular the central Lake District the towns in Cumbria and is mainly along lightly with similar impacts. To maintain a sustainable trafficked minor roads with some off road routes visitor economy, work between Windermere & being provided. It includes the Coast to Coast and around Keswick needs to be Cycle Route (C2C) linking Workington / Reducing Congestion, Climate Change and improving Public Health

15 9 16 Reducing Congestion, Climate Change and improving Public Health Sunderland Whitehaven Walney Way, Keswick also route . Recreational 9.7 school per and networks the being improved been . Mobility 9.8 challenge cycle in and of tourism faced and destinations the identifying mobility Cumbria. this countryside key year. agreed gaps residential used linking estimated networks Hadrians by developed. network journeys. revenue services, to plans – of people As routes by on in Kendal Wearside measures on cycle such Implementing for on Cumbria. Penrith this cyclists the particular plans and the remains areas. for at Cycle all the generated in facilities network with main as routes These – a cycling east key towns local west other Lancaster – car value on for to W2W limited Carlisle Route, In walking service overcome a coast, their parks, each aim are leisure attention coast the that has and cycle substantial and of too by Route, preparation being Reivers to everyday over mobility. urban give KSC Route the – the the will to centres maintaining rail routes provision identify trips. Glasgow. Newcastle development the is main Pennine £30 benefit access identified are stations the directed and links Cycle financial Urban problems between (KSCs) N6 also work million obstacles transport the of has it to from Cycle The Route, is / N7 / at Improve • aims Improve • Encourage • and The 9.11 and understanding can modal Main identified facilities . 0 In 9.10 benefits the bus . To 9.9 transport people help the countryside countryside potential travel, share Rights heritage. to: urban natural switch tackle are Cumbria and increase in Cumbria the to potential of access quality greatest. partnership centres and environmental, operational walk, Way can exploration, people assets climate of and other the visitors the be opportunities of cycle Improvement Countryside at are improvements diversity most life, attractiveness to the change sustainable given with explore and and infrastructure promote same enjoyment easily health bus take local of top by time Access to its Plan and effected operators. encouraging priority to travel public and health the people countryside of conserve passenger enjoy and (ROWIP) local are leisure Strategy options. and and where being the 10 9 10 Air Transport

10.1 From the perspective of sharpening 10.3 Improved access to established airports, the county’s competitive edge, the provision such as Manchester, Newcastle, Durham/Tees of scheduled air services will send a strong Valley, Glasgow and Edinburgh offering a full message to potential investors and give a range of European and other international boost to image campaigns. It could open up services, will continue to be sought via strategic a potentially lucrative London market to high road and rail routes. quality leisure breaks and contribute positively to business confidence in Cumbria and South West 10.4 The development of a sustainable and Scotland. commercially viable airfield situated in West Cumbria may be a long term requirement 10.2 The provision of scheduled services will be to facilitate the development of the Energy promoted at Carlisle Airport which is in private Coast Master Plan. It should aim to handle ownership. Support will be given to the owner air passenger services to Manchester, support in sourcing funding to develop the airport, chartered helicopter flights and business facilitating improved access and assisting aviation. Priority is to be given to airfield sites in marketing for both passenger and freight which have the potential for future development services. Essential infrastructure improvements and can be easily linked with the coastal are upgraded runway facilities, control tower railway and the existing concentrations of and, particularly for the development of employment in Whitehaven, Workington and passenger traffic, provision of a departure and Sellafield. arrival terminal with direct access from the A689. Marketing will be directed to people Air Transport and businesses both locally and further afield, particularly as part of tourism packages.

17 11 12 Seaports

11.1 Improved access to the Sub-Region’s commercial ports of Barrow, Workington and Silloth would have the potential to:

• Increase the proportion of freight passing in and out of the sub-region by sea • Encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail using port facilities and • Attract cruise liner visits.

11.2 There are also operational improvements at the ports identified in the ports plans that would assist in this process, some of which require third party funding to be realised.

11.3 These outcomes would bring the sustainable benefits of reducing road transport and its associated pollution, increasing employment at the ports and boosting green tourism. Seaports

18 11 Capital Funding for the Cumbria 12 Highway and Transport Network

12.1 The amount of government transport • A74 - currently being upgraded as an funding through allocation to the County extension of the M6 from Junction 44 to the Council and Highways Agency through annual Scottish border settlements and major scheme bids falls far • A590 – M6 Junction 36 to Park Road, short of the amount that would be required to Barrow deliver the transport infrastructure improvements • A595 – from A66, east of Workington, to identified in this document. Calder Bridge.

12.2 The most strategic roads nationally 12.3 The only other trunk road, the A65, is and regionally are the responsibility of the designated as non-core and is planned for Government and are managed on behalf of the detrunking by the Secretary of State in 2008. Secretary of State for Transport by the Highways This, together with recently de-trunked sections of Agency. They comprise motorways and core the A7, A595, A596 and A5092, is additional trunk roads. In Cumbria these are: to the principal road network in Cumbria which is the responsibility of the county council. All • M6 – Lancashire county boundary to non-trunk ‘A’ roads are termed principal roads. Junction 44, Carlisle The lengths of the motorway, trunk roads and • A66 – Durham county boundary to principal roads in Cumbria after completion of Workington the de-trunking programme will be: • A69 – M6 Junction 43, Carlisle, to Northumberland county boundary

Road Type Length Highway Authority

Motorway 97 km Department for Transport

Trunk Roads 219 km Department for Transport

Principal 794 km Cumbria County Roads Council Capital Funding for the Cumbria Highway & Transport Network

19 12 13

12.4 Major improvements costing more than 12.7 Funding allocations from these £5M on any of these trunk and principal roads conventional sources will be maximised for are subject to a regional prioritisation process, Cumbria by: introduced as a consequence of changes in the way major transport schemes are awarded • Ensuring that the criteria adopted for the funding approval by the Government. The regional prioritisation process give due Government seeks advice from the North West regard to the particular circumstances of Regional Assembly, the North West Regional Cumbria Development Agency and other partners • Presenting major schemes for regional on transport priorities to fulfil its allocations prioritisation in the most effective way to for transport investment in the region over a secure approval ten year horizon. This process is undertaken • Ensuring that the DfT capital funding formulae periodically as the allocations are rolled are amended to give due regard to the forward. particular circumstances of Cumbria.

12.5 Trunk road renewals and improvement 12.8 A Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) was schemes costing less than £5M are undertaken introduced by the Department for Transport in by the Highways Agency. Funding is allocated 2006 as a supplementary fund for schemes by the Department for Transport to the Highways designed to achieve one of two objectives Agency to manage the core trunk road network – tackling congestion and improving national nationally. An internal two-tier bidding process productivity. Improved transport infrastructure takes place at divisional and area level. in Cumbria would make positive contributions Cumbria is in the Northern Division, comprising to national productivity and could therefore 5 areas of which Area 13 covers Cumbria and stand to benefit from the TIF. Initial allocation of North Lancashire. Productivity TIF is to be based on advice from Regional Development Agencies and directed 12.6 Funding for principal road renewal towards schemes which fit with two priority and transport improvement schemes costing themes: up to £5M is allocated directly to the County Council by the Department for Transport as • Measures to improve the capacity and part of annual local transport settlements. Block resilience of the strategic national freight allocations for renewals (capital maintenance distribution networks, hence supporting schemes) are awarded to a formula based international trade and competitiveness Capital Funding for the Cumbria Highway & Transport Network on condition surveys and composition of the • Measures to make the most of capacity at County’s stock of principal roads. Improvement key pressure points on the strategic networks, schemes are funded from an Integrated thus improving mobility for business and Transport block, also determined according to a freight users. formula and to the content of the Local Transport Plan and the County Council’s past performance 12.9 Funding for rail improvements is allocated in achieving its goals. and managed between the Department for Transport, and the train operating companies on a national basis.

20 12 13 Barrow and Furness

Improvements Identified Line

13.1 The Regional Spatial Strategy identifies 13.4 The main rail access to the area is the Barrow as a Regional Town and a focus for connecting to the West Coast Main development to address worklessness as a result Line north of Lancaster. The line requires the of a contraction in its traditional shipbuilding following: industry over recent years. Development is constrained by travel distances and unreliability • Removal of all constraints on two way of travel time to the M6 and WCML. Transport operation throughout measures identified by the West Lakes • Reinstatement of a direct link through to the Renaissance focus on improving access to line at employment sites. • Improved junctions and sidings at Barrow to promote rail freight A590 Trunk Road • Complete strengthening of estuary crossings • Reinstate the missing side of the Carnforth 13.2 The A590 trunk road forms the main triangular junction to permit direct passenger access route to the area commencing from the and freight movements between South and M6 motorway at Junction 36. The road requires West Cumbria and West Yorkshire improvement, including further dual carriageway • Remodelling of existing junctions and sections, from the M6 motorway at junction provision of new sidings to facilitate 36 through to the start of the Dalton Bypass increased use of rail for freight transport to include a bypass of Ulverston. Outstanding by existing and potential new industries in sections for improvement are: Barrow

• Improve timetable connections at Preston and Barrow and Furness • From the west end of Bypass at Lancaster for WCML services north and south Ayside to Newland – potential improvements and for Manchester, Blackpool, up to and including on-line dualling to Liverpool, Leeds, Morecambe, etc. incorporate existing short sections at and • Newland to Dalton Bypass – a bypass of Ulverston.

13.3 Apart from being a restriction on the free flow of A590 traffic to Furness, the town of Ulverston is split in two by the route. A bypass on the east side of the town will improve the standard of access to Furness, reintegrate Ulverston and provide better access to its industrial sector.

21 13 14

Barrow Port of Barrow

13.5 The four proposed industrial estates 13.8 Both road and rail access to the Port in Barrow, Dock Estate, Hindpool Road, of Barrow is proposed for improvement. The Channelside & Kimberly Clark extension will principal road access, continuing on from require improvements to all junction accesses to the A590 trunk road approach to Barrow, is take the estimated traffic that will be generated. currently being improved by the introduction of The coordination and integration of existing a gyratory system around Walney Road, North transport facilities needs to be substantially Road and Ironworks Road. A number of other extended and improved for there to be any junctions are identified for improvement. Access significant transfer of transport to alternate for rail freight will be improved by remodelling modes. In particular a substantial improvement of existing junctions can be made in the bus, cycle, pedestrian and greenway infrastructure to link all 4 employment Long Distance Cycle Routes sites with the bus hub, railway station and with residential areas. Other options to serve the 13.9 A long distance, coast to coast cycle estates are also being considered namely 1) an route, the Walney to Wearside route is part of outer ring road, 2) an inner ring road and 3) the National Cycle Network. It starts off from junction gyratory systems. the Walney Island coast, goes through Barrow and Ulverston and provides a link into the Lake 13.6 A second crossing of the Walney Channel District. is required to avoid total reliance on the existing Jubilee Bridge as the only road linking Walney Urban Cycle Networks

Barrow and Furness Island to Barrow. Jubilee Bridge is a lifting bridge, to cater for shipping movements in the 13.10 Urban Cycle Networks have been channel, and therefore does not offer 100% identified for Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston. availability. A second bridge would allow The proposed routes for Barrow include routes emergency vehicles to cross when Jubilee Bridge that would link to the proposed industrial estates was closed to traffic, and for the remainder of and residential areas. Dalton-in-Furness is the time be used by pedestrians and cyclists. programmed for network identification during 2007/08. 13.7 Construction of the Morecambe Bay Bridge and Duddon Estuary Crossings will Rights of Way Improvement Plan introduce new traffic movements through Barrow (ROWIP) which will require extensive modifications to the existing road network and possible new links. 13.11 Traffic free paths have been developed for all vulnerable users at Westfield Trail and at Walney Island as part of the Furness Greenways project. Implementation of the ROWIP will require considerable funding.

22 13 14 Carlisle and North Cumbria

Improvements identified and some small scale infrastructure enhancements. Carlisle City 14.5 Further through traffic will be removed 14.1 Carlisle is identified as a Regional from the A6 and A595 in Carlisle by provision City in the Regional Spatial Strategy and of a Southern Relief Road, a long term proposal. locally as a focus for population growth. The This would improve access from the M6 south Carlisle Renaissance partnership was set up at junction 42 to the west side of Carlisle and to following the serious flooding that occurred North Allerdale, most significantly Wigton and in January 2005 causing flooding to over Silloth. a thousand properties, both residential and commercial. Extensive flood defence works are A69 Trunk Road now underway. This Partnership is identifying city centre development and redevelopment 14.6 The A69 provides a direct link between opportunities and their movement requirements. the North West and North East regions. It is an Some of the proposals identified to date include all weather route passing at relatively low level using the flood defence works to extend the through the Tyne Gap between the Pennines footway and cycleway networks. These will be and the Cheviot Hills. It provides the main road incorporated in transport plans for the city. access to Newcastle Airport from the west and indirectly serves Carlisle Airport on the adjacent 14.2 If the proposed developments identified A689 near Brampton. It also gives good access by the Renaissance initiative go ahead from North Cumbria to East Coast Main Line rail accompanied by projected population growth, services at Newcastle. there will be a requirement to bring forward a range of transformational transport schemes to 14.7 The A69 is single carriageway between ensure that the economy and quality of place in the M6 and Hexham, approximately 53km (33 Carlisle and North Cumbria Carlisle are not compromised. miles), and two lane dual carriageway for the remaining 31.5 km (19.5miles) of its length. 14.3 The Carlisle Northern Development Route Annual average daily traffic flows on the single will form the most direct route between West carriageway section range from 10,000 to Cumbria, North East England and Scotland and 15,000 vehicles per day. There are limited also provide access to the regionally designated opportunities for safe overtaking with the 20% investment site at Kingmoor from the M6 and heavy goods vehicle content resulting in the A595. The through traffic will be removed from platooning of vehicles and associated road the A7, A69 and A595, the main access roads safety and journey reliability problems. to the city centre. The opportunity will then be taken to provide further bus and cycle provision 14.8 Bypasses have been constructed for along these radial routes. Brampton and Haltwhistle on the single carriageway section and construction is planned 14.4 Residual internal traffic movements in at Haydon Bridge. The poorly aligned section Carlisle are being considered as part of the between the M6 and Brampton passes through Carlisle Renaissance Project. A movement the most significant settlement to remain on the strategy will identify measures to further reduce whole route at Warwick Bridge, where problems traffic impact, including Park and Ride, reduction of road safety, noise, air quality and community in scale of the Castle Way dual carriageways, severance give rise to particular concern. A

23 14 14

bypass of Warwick Bridge will upgrade the broadly hourly, but service intervals vary. In route to an appropriate standard to give direct addition there are a number of through services access to Carlisle City from the east and to the to Scotland, including Stranraer, and a single most effective connection to the M6 at Junction through service to Whitehaven. 42 for traffic to and from the south. 14.13 The smaller stations of Wetheral and 14.9 The requirements for the A69 are: Brampton in Cumbria are served by only a small number of trains. The service is comparatively • Warwick Bridge Bypass slow and rolling stock used is often not • Complete upgrade of remaining single appropriate for a long distance service. carriageway section to modern standards for overtaking and safety. 14.14 Improvements sought are:

A689 Principal Road • Improved passenger rolling stock • Re-signalling to reduce headways between 14.10 The A689 between Brampton and the trains M6 at Junction 44 will continue to provide for • Investment in track and structures to reduce movements between the A69, east of Brampton, journey times and the M6 extension northwards to Scotland. • Investment in stations including CCTV, The A689 will also provide continuity for customer information systems, car & cycle traffic eastwards on the A69 from the Carlisle parking and bus interchange facilities Northern Development Route. It also provides • Improved timetable with regular frequencies access to Carlisle Airport. and additional stops at Wetheral and Brampton. Penrith Carlisle and North Cumbria The Settle and Carlisle Railway 14.11 A new road would be required to link Gilwilly Industrial Estate to M6 Junction 41 to 14.15 The Settle and Carlisle Railway has an assist in the further development of this industrial iconic status as a result of a long and successful estate. This would have wider benefits in easing campaign in the 1980s against closure. The potential future congestion problems at M6 route has seen significant recent and on-going Junction 40. investment to cater for the demands of long distance freight traffic, chiefly coal from Scotland Tyne Valley Railway to power stations in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Several smaller stations were reopened 14.12 The is an important route following the removal of the closure threat and linking the West and East Coast Main Lines most settlements along the line have a station. as well as linking the two regional capitals of The Settle and Carlisle Railway Development Carlisle and Newcastle. It has an important Company and the Settle and Carlisle Railway role to serve the Gateshead Metro Centre as Trust have ensured significant investment in well as a number of large and small market stations and major structures. towns. The line is also an important freight route and diversionary route for long distance 14.16 The passenger service is generally passenger services. The passenger service is between Carlisle and Leeds but is relatively limited, with no early morning train from

24 14 14

Carlisle to Leeds. The last train from Carlisle is Urban Cycle Networks in the early evening. Rolling stock is generally adequate but journey times are relatively long, 14.19 Urban cycle networks have been about two and three-quarter hours. The line has identified for Carlisle City and Penrith. Sections a significant role as a tourist attraction in its own in Carlisle include: right as well as providing local and regional links. It is a designated diversionary route for • The proposed River Petteril Cycleway, will long distance passenger services. be linked into the Environment Agency flood work and the Land Reclamation Programme. 14.17 Improvements sought are: • The Kingmoor Cycle Way is a south – north link from Carlisle City Centre to Kingmoor • Continued investment in track and structures Business Park. A crossing is required over the to ensure the long-term demand for freight Eden services can be met without detriment to the • A cycle route will also be developed as part future integrity of the line of the Carlisle Northern Development Route • Investment in signalling to reduce headways proposals. between trains • Investment in stations, including CCTV, 14.20 Brampton is programmed for customer information systems and car & cycle identification of cycle networks during 2007/08. parking Silloth, Longtown, Alston and Wigton will be • Improved timetables to give greater travel programmed for cycle network identification opportunities from 2008/09 onwards. • New rolling stock to reduce journey times. Carlisle Renaissance Long Distance Cycle Routes 14.21 The vision of the Renaissance is for Carlisle and North Cumbria 14.18 Long distance cycle routes have been Carlisle to capitalise on its medieval street plan identified in north Cumbria as part of the to create the ambience of a highly attractive National Cycle Network. heritage city. To this end a movement strategy that would aid this vision has been prepared. • The Hadrian’s Cycle Route follows Hadrian’s The following transportation schemes have been Wall from Tyneside, through Carlisle and at selected from the priorities in the strategy that present terminates at Silloth. There are plans would add most value to the city and the people to extend this route to Ravenglass of Carlisle. • The Reivers Cycle route is another coast to coast route that takes a northern course • Improvements to the inner corridor routes to via Kielder Forest Park. It terminates at link A595 / A6 / towards Spencer Street to Whitehaven complete the south east section of the city • The Lochs and Glens Cycle Route is a south centre inner ring road – north cycle route from the C2C at Penrith, • Bus fare subsidies through Carlisle and follows a coastal route • Cycle / pedestrian improvements along the to Glasgow. River Caldew Corridor, links between Currock and Denton Holme areas, and improvements between West Walls and the River Eden • Reduce the severance effect of Lowther Street

25 14 15

by the phased reduction and removal of Quiet Lanes impact of through traffic • City centre pedestrianisation upgrades. 14.25 The aim of Quiet Lanes, a Natural • Improvements to footway links between the England initiative supported by the DfT, is to city centre and key residential areas maintain the character of minor rural roads • Improvements to car parks at West Walls, by seeking to contain traffic growth which is Rickergate Gateway, Viaduct Estate Road, widespread in rural areas without reliance on and City Centre South (William Street or speed limits or traffic calming. Pilot studies for Citadel Station) Quiet Lanes have taken place in Farlam Parish • Cross City Transits and Radial Bus Routes Council and Solway AONB where interest from • Improvements at Caldew Bridges the local communities were expressed. • Improved access to Carlisle Airport. The Port of Silloth Walking Networks 14.26 Road access to the Port of Silloth from 14.22 A pilot study has been undertaken for the M6 South will be improved by provision of Brampton to establish a socio-economic baseline a Carlisle Southern Relief Road between M6 against which possible future improvements to junction 42 and A595. Alternatively the B5305 the rights of way network can be assessed. A from M6 Junction 41 could be improved by walking network has been identified that takes provision of a Wigton Eastern Relief Road and in Talking Tarn and Gelt Woods. improvement at Doctor’s Brow Sebergham.

14.23 A long distance walking route, the Hadrian’s Trail was developed at the same time as the Hadrian’s Cycle Route and is coincident Carlisle and North Cumbria along some of its sections.

Mobility Plans

14.24 Mobility plans for Alston, , Egremont, Wigton, , Millom, Grange-over-Sands, Brampton and Keswick have been prepared. Similar plans are being developed for all other Key Service Centres.

26 14 15 Lake District National Park

Improvements Identified • Glebe Road pedestrianisation • Car park navigation signage at gateways 15.1 Tourism is a very significant and valuable and long distance navigational signing part of Cumbria’s economy presenting its own • To improve signage and street furniture with a transport issues with some 15 million visitors per town trail annum. In particular the Lake District is a premier • To improve signing and orientation for UK destination for informal active outdoor directing people down to the lake recreation and for less active sightseeing tourism. • Windermere Station Development and Motor vehicle congestion occurs at holiday times Gateway Square - a need to enhance the around the more popular tourist destinations, in station and provide a public square particular the central Lake District. To maintain • Encourage visitors to stay longer by a sustainable visitor economy, work needs to enhancing awareness of opportunities such be done to encourage transport modal shift as for walking, cycling, ferry and bus tours for access to, and movement within, the county • Improve walking / cycling provision between and to promote non-car-based activities such as Bowness and Windermere cycling and walking. • Create Windermere eastern site with parking, interpretation, toilets and catering facilities. 15.2 The Windermere and Bowness Enhancement Masterplan (a 25 year vision) 15.4 The Ambleside and Waterhead highlights the following: Masterplan sets out a vision aimed at ensuring their continued prosperity as key visitor • Braithwaite Fold is difficult to access from the destinations. The following proposals have been main routes into Windermere as traffic has to identified: pass through the very heart of villages • A lack of car parking which is not well • The significant improvement of the public Lake District National Park distributed realm at Waterhead and provision of new • Traffic circulation problems – any changes car park and development of a walkway suggested to ease the problems are usually towards Ambleside resisted by the local retailers • The creation of a pedestrian priority core in • Cycle connections from Windermere to the centre of Ambleside with the provision of Bowness, Troutbeck Bridge & Ambleside are shared surface treatments poor. • Public realm improvements to the road corridors surrounding Ambleside town 15.3 The Masterplan recommends the centre through use of traditional streetscape following: materials, widening of pavements, improving • More cycling provision in particular to junctions and the development of a northern overcome the gap in provision between gateway Ambleside and Windermere • Measures to encourage journeys by bike • Gateway car parking in Windermere, and on foot along Borrans Road and Rothay Braithwaite Fold, and Rayrigg Road adjacent Road. to the Steamboat Museum • Comprehensive traffic management proposals in Windermere

27 15 16

Windermere Branch Line Rights of Way Improvement Plan

15.5 The Windermere Branch Line connects 15.7 The Countywide Rights of Way to the West Coast Main Line at , Improvement Plan is integral to the further providing services to Kendal and intermediate development of sustainable travel within the stations to Windermere. An hourly shuttle service park. Increased use of the public rights of way operates throughout the day along the full length network will bring benefits to health and the with direct services between Windermere and local economy. Examples of improvements Manchester Airport at a two hourly frequency. include: Limitations on the service usage are the single track and the location of Kendal station being • Improving and upgrading existing routes not particularly accessible from the town centre. • Creating new links to form new linear and Improvements sought are: circular routes • Maximising the effective use of information • Provision of a twin track or a mid route about the network and its opportunities passing place and signalling • Integration with and adding value to the • A second Kendal station serving the north designated quiet lanes network end of the town • Seeking to ensure the provision of public • Electrification of the route as part of a transport services and transport hubs are regional programme of electrification. integrated with the current and future use of the network. Long Distance Cycle Routes 15.8 The Lake District also offers cycle rides 15.6 The development of strategic cycle on traffic-free paths and trails, national park routes through the centre of the National Park lane rides, mountain biking areas and forestry Lake District National Park will present an alternative modal choice for commission woodlands. visitors. Routes along the corridors of two of the principal roads through the park will be 15.9 Two established long distance footpaths particularly significant – the A591 between go through the Lake District, the Coast to Coast Kendal and Keswick and A593 from Ambleside Footpath – Robin Hood Bay and a to Coniston and onward connection to Ulverston north – south Footpath Carlisle and Barrow. – Ulverston.

28 15 16 South and East Cumbria

Improvements Identified 16.4 Additional coach parking is suggested for the following locations : Kendal • New Road development 16.1 The economic growth of Kendal has • By the conversion of the Church Yard car park suffered during the past few years with the • Bus Station as the short term option loss of high value jobs in the manufacturing • Rugby Club as the longer term option. and financial sectors. A Kendal Economic Regeneration Action Plan has identified 16.5 A Park & Ride demonstration is proposed projects to be implemented up to 2017 to help as a tool to remove long stay visitor or employee businesses and strengthen Kendal as a key car parking from the town centre itself. This service centre. Transport measures that have is to be supported by the local bus services been identified in the Plan are outlined below in and increased park & walk, park & cycle paragraphs 16.2 – 16.7. opportunities. Possible Park & Ride locations include A6 south at Scroggs Wood and 16.2 The principal access to Kendal is from Windermere Road. the M6 south but the main industrial area is off Shap Road on the north side of the town. 16.6 Projects to encourage walking and cycling Ongoing traffic management measures are within Kendal by strengthening links in particular improving the town centre environment for along the core north-south (riverside) route and residents, visitors and shoppers but through the east-west corridors have been identified traffic movements, including commercial traffic, within the Kendal Cycle Network proposals. are being concentrated on to other less than satisfactory routes. The Kendal Northern Relief 16.7 A new foot / cycle bridge adjacent to

Road will link the A591, Kendal Western Bypass, Millar Bridge would create an alternative cross South and East Cumbria at Plumgarths to the A6 Shap Road principally river route potential for pedestrians and cyclists to cater for commercial traffic. However it is to link Canal Head, the Castle, the residential very unlikely to be funded by the DfT prior to areas to the east into the town centre itself. 2017. Other shorter term transport initiatives are outlined below. A66 Trunk Road

16.3 Upgrading of the current car parks 16.8 The trans-Pennine section of the A66 to the south of Highgate to a higher quality is principally a route for inter-regional and in association with park and ride. The car international traffic although also serving parking in New Road is to be replaced by as a local distributor for the communities in mixed use development. The loss of car parking east Cumbria. It is noteworthy for the high spaces would be compensated by more car percentage of commercial traffic and high parking provision, decked or multi story, at average trip length of users. It provides for county council offices and at the Canal Head the inflow of raw materials for industry in Development. The upgraded car parks are to west and north Cumbria and the transport of be accompanied by improved and variable manufactured goods, particularly to the east message signing. and south of England. International traffic plies to Scotland and Ireland in one direction and Northern Europe in the other, via the east coast and channel ports.

29 16 30 South and East Cumbria Appleby-in- • Temple • 28 Penrith • remaining 16.11 The remaining increase North and carriageway changes 16km of standards much single severity are in to Currently, 16.10 The Darlington. This 16.9 to A continue community the in The is Durham dualling determined safety Cumbria Cumbria 43km a standard. to per bypassing a three to Government include of cause but carriageway Yorkshire East cent of and throughout. Cumbria with the study to of remaining through single between sections road to to 36km, section Sowerby the through pass. standard is include Coast are for length Schemes Temple North be sections. a dualled 14,800 to of casualty report by-pass is safety and HGVs. dualled carriageway see Temple commitment The composed to a of the Main of of which Penrith Kirkby and Yorkshire mixture to single Durham-Tees Cumbria, Sowerby this the the between this for annual sections introduction dual recently vehicles The concerns, Appleby-in-Westmorland toll

of Line variations Temple A66 are: commitment Sowerby, the route A66 remaining and carriageway throughout carriageways of to through route rail average County gives sections to single together making completed carriageway per Brough. in traffic Scotch Sowerby complete services particularly which, Thore Cumbria Valley of in in is day access 9 and a 2001 the standards Councils, fulfilled. sections will daily the amount up Corner. changes further with of after sections Airport only at by dual in Bypass the route. which the for led flow the the of 3 route 16.12 The single and the Cumbria is at A685 a Stephen, only commercial is of revocation investment upgrading route Route fuel including alignment carriageway a Kirkby M6 Cumbria 16.13 The A65 economic with by A66/A1 centre improve bypass practical a constrained Junction the alternative route at consumption valuable the the town has to Trunk Network route carriageway. with Junction Lonsdale Principal the north lengthy the for and and from for about of been benefits. section which A65 through in of of 38, alternative consequent vehicles, west as environment Kirkby some improving throughout, Road the inter-regional the this north West east permissible by traffic a Tebay, 36, is will improved 5km bypass, diversions has route of functional and weight a route, the of journeys. Road which region.

Stephen, Farleton reduce Yorkshire. weight Lancashire the However the impact. never in introduced most air route and to access local town, Cumbria. thus A685 to restriction. of much the pollution be

to routes. The direct currently restriction vehicle-kilometres, link the been Skipton link Kirkby The to a Interchange, allowing fully planned The community road will the It high the to in between majority A66 of between in runs road to road improved construction The the south potential realised Apart it complete the passes, M6/M62 associated Stephen protect standard providing Restoration on necessitated at from north for bypass on is previous Primary between Brough poor Cumbria of from single the and south a via the by the Kirkby the of west 3km town the M6 or will of 16 16 canal term of with in The projects interchange. and development bypasses Reaches terms waterway Kendal 16.15 The the Incremental Lancaster Lupton • for traffic Moss • is villages, managing the for and to 16.14 The conurbations to local, lobbying terms detrunk Cumbria canal, – maintenance commercial following county canal further Lupton funding Thompson project. of the and passes Canal of of both including restoration Side and for road Tower reconstruction Department in network this 10km 3 council the transfer for potential in as improvements / The marinas. required general Kirkby of of sections: through tourism construction – Cumbria. Kendal to road Kendal a adequate has traffic Fold land Nook West and – tourist connect in Lancaster the will Fowlstone of would considerable Cumbria. is in Lonsdale – for along will improvement for other water Yorkshire. a for This planned communities – Regeneration of Spital 2008. become access Canal number Although Cow leisure, of the Transport funding have to restoration be would of is Canal the the than the between Lake – very – 7 beneficial The and After Brow route potential Hollin as Lancaster Hornsbarrow canal miles responsible National transport of that economic

be arrangements county not District Northern much one Settle, of towns of proposes detrunking, Action sought from of which of Hall the regions corridor, suitable Nook of 14 in new a for the council / road. and the and the long miles value for Plan. for use is 16.16 The Long was cycle it of – station would Improvements that Kendal. (W2W), established Way for 16.19 Mobility Mobility 2008/09 over-Sands Appleby, 16.18 A Urban NCN6 16.17 Other Kendal. 16.20 The Walking onwards. Mobility Kendal, follows Alston the Kirkby have established Footpath route Pennines, Distance serve trips. route Appleby Cycle Cycle cycle – plans Keswick the , been Pennine Dales onwards. Stephen Haltwhistle Plans Networks linking are include long to minor to to network networks are plans are reduce Networks planned established Lancaster. Dent a Way walking Cycle and distance to few Cycle Derby proposed long and road the

Kendal have – Milnthorpe with Footpath car years has Walney Grange-over-Sands. for distance for Routes Route, network routes to

been cycle dependency links been for Kirkby identification Berwick-upon-Tweed (K2K) ago. for and some and a to within to prepared routes Kirkby identified footpaths from to long – In Wear and Stephen, Penrith Grange- Appleby the the years. Cumbria Kendal 2008/09 distance being the Lonsdale, for Pennine west from and for 16

31 South and East Cumbria 17 17 West Cumbria

Improvements Identified 17.4 The Highways Agency has started work on constructing the Parton – Lillyhall scheme a 17.1 Situated at the western edge of the 5.1 km two lane dual carriageway. The scheme Lake District, West Cumbria is one of the most is intended to ease congestion and improve isolated parts of England. This geographic safety. location is made more difficult by relatively 17.5 Key road improvements that are required poor transport links both to the region from to improve journey times, access to ports the rest of the UK and within West Cumbria. and other developments and an alternative Both local businesses and potential investors evacuation route for Sellafield emergency. have consistently ranked investment in transport infrastructure as a high priority. • Whitehaven Eastern Bypass • Workington Southern Link 17.2 In West Cumbria, a run down in nuclear • A595 junction improvements – energy generation, nuclear fuel reprocessing A5084,B5295, Meadow Row and other more traditional manufacturing and Mirehouse Road industries has put 12,000 to 15,000 jobs at • Pow Beck Spine Road risk in recent years. Restructuring of the nuclear • New A597 junction for access to industry presents an opportunity to rebuild the Derwent Forest economy. The West Cumbria Strategic Forum • A595 bypass schemes has been set up to address these issues and is (Bootle / Calderbridge / Bigrigg) developing a West Cumbria Master Plan. The • A5086 improvements Plan builds on the area’s existing expertise in (Egremont – Cockermouth) West Cumbria West the nuclear industry, traditional manufacturing • Wigton Eastern Relief Road. skills, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s proposals and the developing visitor economy. Of these the Workington Southern Link has long The Plan identifies £1.4 billion of infrastructure been identified as a transport priority for the needs, including transport. county. Large scale redevelopment of land to the west of Workington may give an opportunity A66/A595 Trunk Road to create a Workington Development Route that would provide a high quality road connection to 17.3 The A66 forms the primary link east, the new development and Port of Workington. connecting West Cumbria with the M6 at Penrith. The A595 forms the key strategic link along the coast, and north and south between Carlisle and Barrow. It also serves as a local distributor between coastal towns and Sellafield. The route is single carriageway and, particularly, south of Sellafield, is very poorly aligned in places. As well as connections to the region, there are sub-regional issues around poor links to Millom and nearby towns. The route is also a key route for evacuations in case of an incident at Sellafield. For significant stretches of the route there are no alternatives.

32 33 17 32 Dualling • Resolution • River • include allowing Apart 17.8 improvements. Other 17.6 are A595 West Coach • to provision Following associated will would The 17.7 A596 • where Coast carriageway Whitehaven West Cumbria. accommodate the layout climbing Clifton to of improvements, the extend Northside Workington. Cumbria most Highway Coast A595 be necessary responsibility the Glenderamakin more Workington of alongside By eligible the creation Road with regeneration following: of west lane the from road and contributing junctions standard of recent Highway the local Master Parton with nuclear – / substandard of for Workington, high to the Whitehaven for improvements existing to Pow of Cockermouth, facilitate Bassenthwaite determination westbound detrunking facilitate climbing of dual supplementary the Northern traffic at Plan, is to Beck the decommissioning. to benefits proposed Papcastle to West Lillyhall roads carriageway Scales county the upgrading spine flows overtaking. dual access lanes single Coast Link objectives of HGVs identified in to improvement between carriageway – parts between road of Lake council, for this and West provided – provision funding to funding Highway Stainburn the corridor schemes the Great of of West the Port the for of cycling is Improve • 17.11 Key Low • Upgrade • A595 • to 17.10 The Cumbria A595(T) • A595(T) • Upgrade • the Identified 17.9 Increase • Duddon • schemes a become Coast provide opportunities timetabling improvements – from bypasses to leisure make activity visits A595 key provision allow cost in accident in enabler as it Papcastle Mainline tourists schemes the Coastal actions (walking, the Coastal more journey an train Estuary visits Quarry upgrade the follows: Duddon rolling of of western attraction of western A5093 Millom frequency elements for appealing connections to and southbound reduction. required: Railway to above time stock to Crossing attractions Hill activity cycling, Railway Bridge – West provision Carlisle lakes lakes. and Blackbeck to to savings in on of Silecroft, and of A66 its has Cumbria to Kirksanton tourists the region. improvements, the mountain – trains from

climbing own business – and the Askam the of project Junction and Junction coast to overtaking the additional on right, potential including for hiking Thornhill through benefits West line to Sunday lane biking) those and include and Millom and to to on 17

33 West Cumbria 17 34 West Cumbria require 17.12 Detailed Station • Signalling • of Track • Strategic Increase • Maryport • Capacity • Real-time • Better • Sunday • 17.13 There Bus Workington at bus Extend • Improve • Broughton Transport, clearances throughout Maryport, Wigton, waiting car Ravenglass, access hourly 90 – and Line Barrow WCML service half Services minute & to direct Leeds upgrade cycle Railway hourly rolling service serve including Furness upgrades services back facilities, service timetable to Whitehaven, loading will to train measures following Station: Moor, and service Harrington, commitment connect encourage improvements parking, Millom West service stock be along Millom information Authority to crossing Line north an footbridge to gauge security including continuous connections Whitehaven Second Cumbria. to the the and the opportunity the regional Carlisle bus – Workington, and regularise St from non-car nearest Derwent demise Cumbrian upgrades Barrow for Askam and interchanges, Bees, and that platform, at south, accessibility, 9’ and the welded services to are stations information are at 6” to of rail Seascale, use. Whitehaven; to Department Forest car services listed Carlisle Newcastle Millom; container the Coastal provide sought Aspatria, station new parking. rail for below: site, for will half at: at a commercial encourage and and complement undertaken a Port via principal 17.14 On Port develop In investment deliverable therefore West a aligned 17.15 Port Great the of opportunity along development 17.16 There West Link would standard improvement. based steep fully the the the recently would road diversify commercially of Cumbria. long town the Clifton Coast improve integrated on A596 gradient, river a Workington access road essential traffic the the West access cruise has avoid increasing term option at centre, shipping for constructed is road crossing. of the Bypass north marina from In of the a access already access attracting The Coast marina impacts there addition major to terminal port. Cumbria these transport complex is and Port viable in for the where the side refurbishment a securing and and business. is haulage utilisation to vital of of The rail. A to termination opportunity Port features been and A66 also of on the port Workington Cumbria. Workington the to a at leisure the it junction overall component offering Workington, A of new the completing has port

the port Derwent secured the Stainburn package A596 facility a Workington requirements eastern by of port. to sustainable visitor / potential facilities the plan plan of the negotiate marina There linking and for within Northside relief and the Northern to is Howe port the of being of market and needs edge a poorly the refurbish A66. is a high initial to uses. road is for an to site. to 17 35 17 34 identified 17.19 Urban local 17.18 The Network In • Develop • 17.17 Actions the to form to Haverigg to 2008/09 Cleator Identification West will A existing population route. locally Sea the travel of network Maryport, be cycling this areas harbours passenger basis network ideally to the cyclists the identified to The population. Cumbria the Sea Moor industries work, nucleus long for for and and towns onwards. completion economic of of provide route the is and a and Cycle Workington, of Cleator disused stops which include: and term Maryport. situated walking leisure foot Whitehaven for cycle of of harbour and pedestrians Cycling and Apart Egremont Cockermouth networks Whitehaven support / a an for provides benefits Moor cycleway conurbation railway networks and will of potential alternative at cruise for this from A the fronts help Whitehaven, social local and the and cycle and network are have end deriving ships. generally. the lines promoting to development for network and investment and Seascale, travel Walking planned Maryport in travel workforce network distribute of mode extending been Aspatria, has 2007/08. related the Workington will from needs, formed needs Millom popular for which

a help for is the sites. shift this the for due of / Hadrian’s provide Maryport, for Millom 17.20 Mobility Mobility established the potential from 17.21 The Walking planned 2007/08. Cumbrian Merseyside and continuity for economic Trail proposed Plans Workington Trails coast Aspatria. further coast. Cleator plans and to to with in benefits from the coast North From have Egremont the Moor, the and Solway the future. walk. the been newly West Whitehaven to east, Cockermouth, north, the will is undertaken Coastal established the scheduled remainder bring this long trail are Trail for will of 17

35 West Cumbria 18 36 Conclusion 82 The 18.2 climate communities to to transport substantial local to objectives are its the private on 8 1 For 18.1 such transport This 18.3 cross improvements approaches arrangements developing improving the vision all period available improvements communities cutting transport aspects sector change. of infrastructure improvement Cumbria resources that document of improvements a to and nature quality the through Sustainable service will are the of ultimately securing infrastructure people’s to Community UK entirely to be to will of wider to of develop sets required, delivery economy contribute current transport required and make place need funding affect are out Cumbria. lives inadequate. environmental services. such the of to Strategy required in and transport and and public looking and for contribute Cumbria Cumbria’s and effectively and level thrive, improvements vitality. Cumbria public for Any its delivery health of to to New funding at impact Conclusion support quality the that the and over and of J9534 Design: ’s 3cStudio • Tel 01228 226420