A MULTI-MILLION pound project to tackle congestion and pave the way for new homes and jobs near Ulverston has been welcomed as a 'lifesaver'.

Highways England is constructing the new roundabout along the A590 at Cross-a-Moor south of Ulverston and construction will start in September as workers move away for bird nesting season.

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.

Ulverston Councillor Andrew Butcher said: "It won't be a five minute job, but it is necessary.

"There is children going to school who go down that road and we needed something safe to be put in there and a roundabout was deemed the best option.

"Anything that saves a life is worth it.

"There has been a few near misses in that area and this needs to be done.

"I just hope they are going to leave an alternative route until they have built the roundabout so that it does not disturb the traffic on the A590. That is my concern."

CONCERN: Ulverston Town Councillor Andrew Butcher

CONCERN: Ulverston Town Councillor Andrew Butcher

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.

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.”

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.