Cumberland Council is pleased to announce upcoming road improvements on the A5086 Cockermouth, this is an ambitious project to enhance the local road network and ensure safer, smoother travel for residents and businesses.
The improvements, delivered by the council's surfacing contractor will begin on Monday 17 February 2025, and is expected to take approximately five weeks, subject to weather conditions.
This work forms part of the £14.3 million investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, aimed at upgrading essential highway infrastructure, reducing future disruptions, and providing long-term benefits to the community. Significant progress has already been made on other sections of the A595 and A5086, and this next phase continues that momentum.
The planned improvements on the A5086 at Cockermouth include road network repairs, drainage system replacement, traffic sign upgrades, and a refresh of road markings. To complete these essential upgrades efficiently and safely, the project will be organised in phases, using a combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures. The phases are as follows:
- Phase 1 – Gallowbarrow / Sullart Street – road closure and traffic lights
- Phase 2 – Crown Street – road closure
- Phase 3 – The Level – road closure and traffic lights
Full access will be available for emergency service vehicles, pedestrians, and dismounted cyclists throughout the works.
Waste and recycling collections will proceed as usual, while updates about temporary bus stop relocations will be posted at affected stops. Passengers with bus route questions are encouraged to contact Stagecoach directly.
To keep the community informed and engaged, Cumberland Council has organised a drop-in session where residents and business owners can learn more about the project, ask questions, and meet the team managing the work. The drop-in-session will take place on:
- Date: Tuesday 11 February 2025
- Times: anytime between 5.30pm and 7.30pm
- Location: Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth CA13 9PJ
Cumberland Council recognises that the A5086 is a key route, and some temporary inconvenience may occur during these works. The council is working closely with local stakeholders, including Parish Councils and local members, to reduce disruption as much as possible.
Cumberland Council wishes to thank the community for their continued support and patience while they improve the road network and apologise for any inconvenience.
If anyone cannot attend the drop-in session, and do have questions, they can visit Cumberland Council website, or contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736
