Steel sculptures mark milestone for Carlisle Southern Link Road

Cumberland Council has marked a key milestone in the delivery of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) with the installation of two large steel sculptures at newly constructed roundabouts.

Created by local artist Ellie Barden of Grace Forge, the installations at Durdar and Brisco roundabouts signal visible progress on the major infrastructure scheme as it moves closer to completion.

Celebrating local identity

The sculptures were developed following public engagement in 2024 and are designed to give the new route a distinct identity, reflecting lessons learned from previous projects such as the Carlisle Northern Development Route.

Constructed from weathered steel and weighing around four tonnes each, the artworks are intended to be durable, low maintenance and rooted in Cumbria’s agricultural heritage.

Two landmarks with local meaning

• The Mare and Foal (Durdar Roundabout)Located near Carlisle Racecourse, the sculpture celebrates the city’s equestrian heritage, including the historic Carlisle Bell, the world’s oldest sporting trophy dating back to 1599. It also acts as a gateway to the future St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, symbolising growth and regeneration.

• The Limousin Bull (Brisco Roundabout)Positioned near the site of the Cumberland Show, the sculpture draws inspiration from “Graiggoch Rambo”, a record-breaking bull sold in 2022. It represents the strength and global reputation of Cumbria’s farming community.

Marking progress on major scheme

Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said the installations reflect both local pride and the council’s long-term ambitions.

“These sculptures are a celebration of our local heritage and the strong rural identity that underpins communities across Cumberland,” she said.

“They create distinct landmarks for the new route and mark a really exciting moment as the project moves closer to completion.”

Next steps

The sculptures form part of the final stages of the CSLR project, with the remaining sections of the road expected to open following a full road safety review scheduled for April.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to improve connectivity around Carlisle while supporting future development and growth in the area.