MILLIONS of pounds has been pledged to alleviate traffic chaos a pinch-point.

The Government has promised more than £12m to build a new 1km stretch of road to replace the existing section at Dove Ford Farm.

The road at Grizebeck has been the subject of years of campaigning as two vehicles cannot pass on the narrow track.

Under plans drawn up by Cumbria County Council, the upgrades will also include the installation of a new crossing for farm vehicles and cyclists, as well as more space for those walking and cycling along the route.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “When I visited Cumbria last November, I heard about frustrations with local infrastructure, including the bottleneck at Grizebeck. I promised then that we would take action and I’m pleased today to deliver on that.

"We’re committed to delivering for Cumbria and unleashing every part of the Northern Powerhouse.”

Subject to final approvals, work is due to start by July 2022. The total cost of the A595 scheme is £14.9m, with the Department for Transport’s funding contribution of £12.7m forming the majority of the total scheme costs.

Simon Fell, MP for Furness, said: “I’m beyond delighted that this project now has the green light after years of relentless campaigning by local people and businesses.

“It beggars belief that the main A-road from Barrow to Sellafield is through a farmyard. Finally that situation can be righted, making the road far safer and much more reliable for locals and commuters alike.

"I’m hugely grateful to the Department for Transport, Local Enterprise Partnership and Cumbria County Council for backing and funding this scheme, and the A595 Action Group for keeping the pressure up over the years.”

Barry Rabone, chair of the A595 Action Group, said he was ‘delighted’ with the news that the A595 at Grizebeck will receive £12m of funding for road upgrades.

He said: “We have worked hard for this for more than five years working in partnership with local villagers, parish councillors and our elected representatives.

"There will be a number of advantages to the area once this has been completed.

“Grizebeck will be freed from its constant stream of traffic and pollution. Business and emergency units will know that they will now be able to safely and quickly go through the area instead of being constantly held up in traffic jams.

"There will be a safer and quicker link from Barrow to the west coast towns.

"The team now looks forward to working with the Cumbria County Council to ensure that the project is satisfactorily developed to the needs of the local population.”