THERE are 38 projects which need to be carried out on Cumbria's roads as a priority, according to a new report.

These schemes include an access bridge at the Port of Workington, a bypasses for Ulverston and Whitehaven and improvements to the A595 near Carlisle.

All of the priority projects were identified in the West of M6 Strategic Connectivity Study , has been published by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Cumbria County Council and Highways England,

These organisations consulted businesses, other organisations and road users.

Graham Haywood, director of Cumbria LEP, said: “This study is important because it provides the evidence base to support the county in its bids for government funding for road improvements.

“It builds on our infrastructure plan, which was published earlier in the year.

“It clearly sets out the improvements that will need to be made to key points in the road infrastructure to accommodate the economic growth that the county will experience over the next 15 years.”

The study has identified priority improvement schemes for the county’s major roads designed to support economic growth, improve road use for tourists, reduce delays and accidents, improve the road system’s resilience to severe weather and roadworks and minimise the environmental impact of traffic.

The prioritisation scheme has also taken account of any social impact, environmental considerations, value for money and feasibility.

The sections of road the study has identified for priority improvement schemes are: A689/A595 Brampton to Thursby (one scheme); A595 Thursby to Cockermouth (two schemes); A66 Workington to Keswick (seven schemes); A66 Keswick to Penrith (one scheme); A595 Workington to Calder Bridge (12 schemes); A595/A5092 Calder Bridge to Greenodd/Dalton (one scheme); A590 Barrow to Greenodd (nine schemes); A590 Greenodd to M6 (five schemes).

These have been split into short-term, medium and long-term projects.

The study will be used as evidence to support bids for funding for road improvements from government, including the Highways England National Road Investment Strategy in 2019.

It will also be used to highlight to large companies the advantages of making financial contributions to the cost of improving local roads.

To read the report in full click here .