WORKS on the multi-million-pound Carlisle Southern Link Road project are due to start on the site next week.

In October 2020, the planning application was approved for Carlisle Southern Link Road which will connect Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West.

After detailed design and surveys, the enabling works for the scheme will commence next week and will include the construction of two site compounds at Newby West and near to M6 Junction 42.

In early Spring, the construction of essential site access will commence, including access roads to the west of the River Caldew and borehole installation for long-term groundwater monitoring.

Cumbria County Councillor Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “This is an exciting step for the scheme as the link road will vastly improve east to west connectivity as well as unlocking the delivery of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, a Carlisle City Council scheme, which aims to deliver 10,000 new homes, infrastructure and employment to Carlisle and the wider county.”

Mark Conway, specialist operations director for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure said: “We are delighted to be working with the council on this essential project for Carlisle. We are committed to having a positive impact on the communities we work in and will be working closely with those in the local area to minimise disruption during the enabling works. We are collaborating with local businesses including Story Contracting, Wardell Armstrong and Capita, to support us on this scheme and leave a lasting legacy for the area”.