A multi-million pound project to tackle congestion and pave the way for new homes and jobs near Ulverston will start in September as workers move away for bird nesting season.

Highways England is constructing the new roundabout along the A590 at Cross-a-Moor south of Ulverston.

It is expected to cost around £7 million with partnership funding from Highways England, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Lakeland District Council.

As Part of the previously announced  Highways England Growth and Housing Fund the new roundabout at  Cross a Moor is a response to the proposed 1063 new homes to built around the south of Ulverston.

It is being funded by Highways England , Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership , Cumbria County Council and South Lakes District Council. At present the design is complete and now going through a commercial pricing exercise. The provisional start date of the works is September 6 with completion expected July 2022.

Further announcements will be made as to  dates and  timings of  face to face public engagement  sessions.

The new roundabout will replace the existing staggered junction with Main Road running south off the A590 and Pennington Lane running north of it. Preparation work is scheduled to start in spring with the main construction work following in the summer.

Plan of the new Cross-a-Moor junction arrangements which include constructing a new roundabout Steve Mason, Highways England senior project manager, said:“This new roundabout is a significant investment in the infrastructure of the Furness peninsula.

"It will reduce congestion and improve safety on the A590 and local road network as well as supporting the creation of new jobs and homes. "We’re aiming to keep the road open during construction – certainly during the daytime – and minimise any inconvenience to drivers and other road users.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We’re supporting transport improvements in Ulverston by backing this project with a Local Growth Fund investment of over £900,000.

“It’s great news that the roundabout will solve ongoing congestion problems, as well as unlocking new homes and jobs, which will improve quality of life for the community.

“By investing in transport infrastructure across the country, we’re making all our towns great places to live, work and visit.”

Almost 20,000 vehicles travel through this part of the county each day and a new roundabout at this location will not only improve current journeys but also support Northern Powerhouse aspirations for better, less-congested connections and economic prosperity and sustainability.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “I’m delighted with this announcement.

"We’ve worked closely with the LEP, South Lakeland District Council and Highways England on this over a number of years, and it’s fantastic news for Cumbria that this funding is now secured.

"If the county is to meet the demands of our growing population, attracting more new businesses and welcoming more visitors, we need to improve and enhance our infrastructure.

"The new roundabout will make big difference, and is vital to unlocking the economic and commercial potential of Ulverston and surrounding areas.”