TALKS are in place to resolve the ‘traffic chaos issue’ along the A590 before even more ‘horrendous accidents’ take place.

Discussions to build more dual carriageways on the A590 linking Barrow to the M6 have been put forward by town councillors and highway bosses.

South Lakeland district councillor James Airey said ‘nothing is off the table’ in terms of finding ways to improve the notorious stretch of road.

“When accidents take place on the A590 between Barrow and Ulverston, it is utter chaos,” he said. “Because that road is the only major link between these two areas, it’s closure has a huge impact on drivers, businesses and residents.”

Cllr Airey suggested the road needed more dualling and roundabouts to ensure traffic could still flow after incidents happened.

Plans for a new roundabout at the A5074 near Levens were also discussed at a public consultation earlier this year.

Alongside the new roundabout, the team of councillors and highways officials looked at measures to make the A590 stretch of road safer.

This included an upgrade to the existing underpass at Levens to provide better access for pedestrians, and improve the layout of the slip-roads linking the A590 with the A6.

Cllr Airey also suggested more lighting across the darker areas of the road to prevent accidents from taking place.

“Every idea is on the table at this point,” he continued. “We are open to sensible measures which can be implemented quickly, especially when it comes to safety.”

Despite the potential cost of million of pounds for improvements, Cllr Airey said ‘safety comes first’.

“While many millions of pounds will have to be spent for these improvements, it would mean fewer accidents and therefore fewer lives lost,” he said. “As well as this, it would help save businesses millions of pounds.

“When the road is congested, businesses are unable to operate and suffer because of this.”

“So spending money on improving the A590 will significantly benefit local businesses in the long run.”

The South Lakes councillor said the attending members were ‘unanimous’ in deciding the A590 needs urgent improvements.

“This is high up in our queue of priorities,” he said.

“All the local residents know what a huge issue this is and we’re working to try and resolve it as quickly and effectively as possible.”

A Highways England spokesman said: “It probably goes without saying that we regularly and routinely review the operation of the A590.

“We speak to councils and local representatives and our own highways engineers – to ensure it operates as safely, smoothly and as efficiently as possible.”