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.