Progress made on Carlisle Southern Link Road

The Newby West Roundabout, a key junction on the Carlisle Southern Link Road is now re-open.

Over the last few months, contractors have been working to remove the old roundabout and replace it with a much larger, higher capacity roundabout.

The reopening of the Newby West Roundabout is set to significantly enhance traffic flow at the junction. The improved junction is designed to cater for the growth in traffic and in combination with the remainder of the Carlisle Southern Link Road (due to open later this year) will provide a new route over the Caldew and link the A595 and the A689 at Newby West Roundabout to the M6 at Junction 42.

The link between A595 and A689 Newby West Roundabout and the new Cummersdale Roundabout on the B5299 Dalston Road is also nearing completion.

It's expected this will be ready to open in a few weeks.

Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: "The reopening of the Newby West Roundabout marks a major milestone in the Carlisle Southern Link Road project.

"This upgraded junction will make journeys smoother and safer for residents and businesses, while also laying the foundations for the wider improvements that the Carlisle Southern Link Road will deliver.

"It’s fantastic to see such visible progress on a scheme that will not only ease congestion but also support the long-term growth and prosperity of Carlisle and the surrounding area."

Significant works are also ongoing to complete the Caldew Crossing with the last remaining concrete pours planned for in September. Progress is also being made between the new Brisco Roundabout and the M6 Junction 42, including earthworks, drainage and surfacing, while landscaping and planting also continue where possible.

The Carlisle Southern Link Road is on-track for full opening by the end of 2025, with some finishing touches like signage, landscaping, and other amenities set for completion in 2026