A COUNTY-WIDE plan to improve transport and communication networks has been launched by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Among the long-term proposals are a southern relief road for Carlisle, a Whitehaven relief route and A590 enhancements including an Ulverston bypass.
The Cumbria Infrastructure Plan argues that improvements to road, rail, air and sea port links are essential to support local businesses over the coming 15 years.
The proposals aim to improve journey speeds, capacity and reliability for people, goods and materials.
LEP director Graham Haywood said: “The county is facing unprecedented levels of investment and growth over the next 15 years, with over £25bn of investment planned across Cumbria.
"These and other projects have the potential to create over 30,000 additional jobs and an additional £1.3bn of economic output per year by 2030.”
“However, maximising this growth opportunity requires significant investment in our transport and communications networks.”
Early priorities include enhancements for the Cumbrian Coast railway between Carlisle and Lancaster via Barrow, as well as improvements to the A595 between Carlisle and Sellafield.
There are plans for the county’s ports and Carlisle Airport, to increase passenger and freight capabilities.
Mr Haywood added: “All of the recommendations we are making are essential to improving access to markets, travel to work and learning, movement of freight and goods, and supply chain development.
“They will play a crucial role in boosting economic growth by attracting visitors, workers and investment to the county.”
The impact of the floods in December in the wake of Storm Desmond is mentioned in the report and flood resilience is one of the LEP’s main priorities.
The county could get new powers and funding to deliver transport improvements if Cumbrian politicians can agree a devolution deal with the Government.
Last summer Cumbria County Council submitted a paper to Ministers outlining the county’s proposals for a devo deal but negotiations with Whitehall appear to have stalled.
The full list of priorities included in the LEP's plan are below:
Critical short term priorities
Cumbrian Coastal Railway enhancements
A595 corridor enhancements
Flood resilience and mitigation
Connecting Cumbria Phase 3: 4G and broadband connectivity
Port of Workington improvements
Important short term priorities
Carlisle Station and surrounding area
Carlisle Airport enhancements
Port of Barrow improvements
Rail station improvements
Town centre transport improvements
Optimising connectivity
Medium / long term priorities (5-15 years)
Carlisle southern link road
A590 road enhancements
A66 road enhancements
Ulverston bypass
Whitehaven relief route.
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