£225M Carlisle Southern Link Road construction makes progress

The construction of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) continues to gather momentum, with significant progress made across multiple elements of the £225 million infrastructure project.

As the region moves from one of its wettest recorded summers into what the Met Office confirms is among the driest springs in over a century, on-site activity has accelerated dramatically.

May Progress Overview

Work across the CSLR site surged forward throughout May. Earthworks advanced steadily, aided by favourable weather conditions. Seven of the project’s eight planned ponds have now been excavated, with lining and topsoil preparations paving the way for ecological planting later this year.

Meanwhile, surfacing operations began on the road section linking Burthwaite Road, passing under the new Stoneraise Bridge, and continuing towards the new Durdar Roundabout. One of the month’s key achievements included a major overnight concrete deck pour across the railway span of the new Caldew Crossing – a crucial milestone that keeps the structure on schedule for its upcoming phases.

Preparatory work has also been completed on the road box section between Junction 42 of the M6 and Petteril Bridge. This formation is clearly visible from Newbiggin Road and sets the stage for the next phase of construction, including necessary road closures.

Planned Road Closures and Openings

• Newbiggin Road will close from 9 June until 12 December between Brisco Road/Wreay Road and M6 Junction 42. This closure affects all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. A signed diversion will be in place via Durdar Road, Blackwell Road, St Nicholas, and London Road.

• Property access will vary: from June to September, residents will reach Newbiggin Hall via J42, and from October to December, access will be rerouted via Brisco.

• The northbound off-slip at M6 J42 will also close from 9 June to 4 July. Northbound drivers should use J43 and return southbound to J42.

• Buckabank Road and Ivegill Road are scheduled to reopen on 23 June after extended closures due to utility complications. The latter’s reopening paves the way for works on the Redcat Roundabout starting 25 June, with footpath and drainage installation set to follow later in the year.

• Burthwaite Road is expected to close on 27 July once Ivegill Road is fully operational, ensuring continuous access routes during transitions.

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Newby West Roundabout Developments

At Newby West Roundabout, the removal of the existing carriageway has been completed in line with the programme. Bulk earthworks are progressing efficiently thanks to the dry weather. Drainage installation is now underway, and the old culvert has been removed following the successful rerouting of Fairy Beck into the new structure beneath the A595.

The roundabout remains on schedule to reopen by the end of August.

As the CSLR project continues to take shape, it is already delivering significant environmental improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and future employment opportunities for the region.

Residents or stakeholders with queries are encouraged to reach out via email to the project team at: carlislesouthernlinkroad@cumberland.gov.uk.