CUMBERLAND Council is seeking project management support for the Carlisle Southern Link Road, at a time when planned costs for the project have soared from £65m to £226m. 

The council has launched a tender for a contractor to provide all necessary design and engineering, labour, equipment, plant and materials with the delivery of the scheme.

The project is an 8km road which will include four new roundabouts, five cycle bridges and four road bridges and a cycle path along the northern side along its full length.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has confirmed it will now provide £212 million for the project, with Cumberland Council paying the remainder.

A spokesperson from the council said the 'impact of inflation and economic conditions' exacerbated by the war in Ukraine has led to estimated costs more than tripling since the project's inception. 

Despite several challenges, the government 'remains committed' to progressing the project to be complete within two years from June 2023. 

Galliford Try Construction Ltd has been appointed to undertake the design and build of the multi-million-pound scheme which aims to bring 'significant benefits to the city and the wider county'. 

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “Following the appointment of Galliford Try Construction Ltd to undertake the design and build of the road, Cumberland Council are now seeking to appoint a professional services provider to support the existing team.

"This is usual practice in a project of this scale.

"The impact of inflation, energy prices, and the current economic conditions has created a huge challenge for both the construction sector and local authorities and cost pressures continue to be exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has brought about less certainty on costs and supply of materials. 

"This has resulted in the total cost to deliver the scheme being £226m.

"The road will connect Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West and is vital for the economic growth of Carlisle and to deliver the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village that will deliver 10,000 new homes over the next 30 years and employment opportunities, bringing significant benefits to the city and the wider county. 

"This project will unlock economic inclusive growth through the creation of jobs, attract businesses to invest, reduce congestion and create the infrastructure to support the building of quality homes and community facilities. 

"The main construction works are due to commence on site in June 2023 and will take at least two years to complete," they said.