Barrow Town Centre Roads to Close for Soapbox Derby
Several roads in Barrow town centre will close from today, Friday 14 August, as preparations begin for the town’s Super Soapbox Derby.
The restrictions will remain in place at different times throughout Saturday 15 August while homemade karts race down Dalton Road.
Drivers are being advised to plan ahead, allow extra time and expect disruption around Dalton Road, Portland Walk and nearby streets.
Which Roads Will Close on Friday?
The first restrictions will come into force today as organisers begin building the racecourse.
From 9am on Friday 14 August until 11pm on Saturday 15 August, the following sections will close:
- Dalton Road, from its junction with Portland Walk to its junction with Harrison Street
- The full length of Portland Walk, starting from its junction with Crellin Street
A further section of Dalton Road, from High Street to Portland Walk, will close at 11.45am on Friday. This restriction is also expected to remain in place until 11pm on Saturday.
These longer closures will allow organisers to build and later remove the course, including its five-metre starting ramp, safety barriers and obstacles.
Additional Closures on Saturday
More roads will close between 7am and 10pm on Saturday 15 August.
The affected sections are:
- Scott Street, from Dalton Road for around 40 metres
- Cavendish Street, from Fell Street for around 70 metres
- High Street, from Whittaker Street for around 80 metres
- Buccleuch Street, between Whittaker Street and Fell Street
- Crellin Street, from Allison Street for around 80 metres
- Fenton Street, between Allison Street and Fell Street
- The full length of Stephen Street from Dalton Road
Residents of Fenton Street will still be permitted to enter the road when they need access to park their vehicles.
The restriction also prevents all vehicles from using the section of Dalton Road between Cavendish Street and Buccleuch Street during the event.
No Official Diversion Route Available
The temporary traffic regulation order states that there are no suitable alternative routes available for vehicles.
Drivers will need to choose another route around the wider town centre and should expect surrounding streets to be busier than normal.
Pedestrian access will remain open throughout the closures. Cyclists will also be allowed through the restricted areas, but they must get off and push their bicycles.
Emergency services will continue to have access where required.
Anyone with questions about the closures can contact the Westmorland and Furness Council Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306, quoting reference TTROW/19025.
Advice for Visitors
People travelling into Barrow for the event may want to use public transport or arrive early to find parking away from the closed roads.
Barrow BID has advised visitors to check local rail and bus timetables before travelling. Drivers can also use the Westmorland and Furness Council car park directory to look for available town-centre parking.
The restrictions are currently expected to finish by 11pm on Saturday, although roads may reopen at different times as the course is safely removed.
