IMPROVEMENT works to make the A590 ‘safer and smoother’ will be carried out over the next year.

Highways England has announced a number of sections of the road will be revamped as part of an £8m ‘significant investment’ to improve safety for drivers.

Works on the road, which has been described as an ‘accident blackspot’ in the past, will include resurfacing and new safety measures.

Larger projects are said to include wholesale resurfacing of the dual carriageway between Brettargh Holt roundabout and junction 36 of the M6 as well as the A590 through Ulverston town centre.

The High and Low Newton bypass near Grange is also among the sections of A590 to benefit from the £8 million investment.

Chris Court, Highways England’s programme delivery manager for Cumbria, said: “This is a significant investment to ensure the wide range of people using and relying on the A590 can continue to enjoy safe and smooth journeys along the route.

“We are keen to share what we are planning to do over the next year so residents and road users alike can get a sense of what work is coming.”

He said the works would mainly take place overnight and that the use of temporary traffic lights and road closures would be kept to a minimum.

Simon Fell, the Furness MP, said: “This is really welcome news.

“We’ve seen too many accidents on this road and this investment is a step in the right direction to making the 590 smoother and safer.

“There’s plenty more work to be done though and after holding successful meetings with residents, Highways England, and local councillors a few months ago I’m keen to start looking at what we can secure funding for next.”

Meanwhile, Cumbria County Council has announced that road improvements works will take place in Milnthorpe next week.

From Monday June 15, work will be carried out on Park Road to install new drainage kerbs, resurface the road and footway, and upgrade traffic lights at the crossroads junction with the A6. The road will remain open until July.