Cockermouth junction works to finish by Easter despite disruption

Major roadworks at a key junction in Cockermouth are expected to be completed before Easter, according to a senior highways official, as concerns continue over disruption and communication.

The works on Station Road, which began on March 17, have seen the route փակ in both directions while essential repairs are carried out between Lorton Street (B5292) and Gallowbarrow (A5086).

“Do it properly” approach

Cumberland Council’s assistant director of highways and transport, Karl Melville, told councillors the scheme had gone beyond standard resurfacing due to the poor condition of the road.

He explained the junction had been repeatedly patched over the years but suffered from fundamental structural issues, including a weak foundation.

Rather than carry out another short-term repair, the council chose to undertake more extensive work.

“We’re causing disruption, so we might as well fix it properly,” he said, adding that deeper excavation work means the road should now last up to a decade, rather than needing further repairs within a couple of years.

Costs and delays

The project is now over budget, with around 450mm of road material being removed and replaced—far more than the typical 100mm depth for similar works.

Despite the additional work, Melville said good progress had been made and the road should reopen before Easter, potentially under temporary traffic lights while final work is completed.

Communication concerns raised

Town councillors criticised what they described as a lack of consultation and information about the works, particularly regarding impacts on residents and emergency services.

However, the council said it had:

• Held a public drop-in session

• Sent 74 letters to stakeholders, including emergency services

• Spent more than £3,000 on notifying residents

Some councillors said they were unaware of the engagement activity.

Wider impact on local roads

Concerns were also raised about increased traffic on nearby routes, including Marketplace, which has been under additional pressure during the closure.

Council officials said those roads would be reviewed once the current works are complete, but no immediate plans are in place.

Investment in the area

Melville highlighted that £1.2 million has been spent on highways in Cockermouth over the past 18 months, with the current scheme alone costing close to £500,000.

He urged residents and businesses to remain patient while the work is completed, saying the long-term benefits would outweigh the short-term disruption.