Kirkby-in-Furness road to close for work on new A595 junction
A road in Kirkby-in-Furness is set to close while construction continues on the £23 million A595 Grizebeck improvement scheme.
Buckhorn Lane will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from its junction with Grizebeck Brow, the A5092, to its junction with the A595.
The temporary order comes into force on Friday, July 10. It can remain available for up to 18 months, although the road will only be closed when signs are in place and work requires it.
Why is Buckhorn Lane closing?
Westmorland and Furness Council said the closure is needed to keep the public safe while contractors build a new junction linked to the A595 scheme.
The restriction will cover all traffic. This includes drivers, people walking and cyclists who have dismounted.
The council said there could be a danger to the public during the construction work, particularly near heavy machinery and the unfinished junction.
What is the diversion route?
Drivers will be diverted using the A595 and Grizebeck Brow, also known as the A5092.
People travelling on foot will be directed along Bridleway 539044.
Road users should follow the temporary signs in the area, as the exact arrangements may change as different stages of the work are completed.
Order can remain in place until January 2028
The temporary traffic order has an estimated end date of January 10, 2028.
This does not necessarily mean Buckhorn Lane will remain fully closed every day until then. The order allows the council to apply the restriction when needed during the construction programme.
The closure follows earlier emergency notices issued on May 29 and June 19.
Part of the A595 Grizebeck improvement scheme
The work forms part of a new 1.4-kilometre section of single-carriageway road between Chapels and Grizebeck.
The new route runs east of the current A595 before connecting with the A595 and A5092 near the existing junction.
Westmorland and Furness Council received £23.31 million from the Department for Transport towards the scheme. Story Contracting is carrying out the work.
The council says the project will create a safer and more reliable route for people and goods travelling towards Barrow.
It is also expected to improve access to Grizebeck and nearby communities.
Other restrictions already in place
Several traffic measures have been introduced while the new road is built.
The narrow C5013 route, known locally as the Mousetrap, has been closed for safety reasons.
Lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes are also restricted from using part of the A595 between Grizebeck and School Road in Kirkby-in-Furness.
Local businesses, residents, buses, emergency services and site vehicles are exempt from the HGV restriction. A temporary 20mph limit is also in place between Bank End and Grizebeck Filling Station.
Weekend closure also planned
A separate full closure is planned on the A595 while the new road is connected to the existing route at Chapels.
The council says the road will close from the evening of Friday, July 17, until the evening of Sunday, July 19.
This connection is described as the final major task needed before the new road can open at Chapels.
Anyone with questions about the Buckhorn Lane closure can contact the council’s highways team and quote reference TTROW/19789.
