MOTORISTS have criticised council bosses for the "bedlam in Barrow" caused by three separate sets of roadworks on major roads in the town taking place simultaneously.

Already having to negotiate the partial closure of a large section of Abbey Road, motorists have also had to contend with temporary traffic lights in Salthouse Road and Greengate Street.

With the restrictions resulting in delays and congestion on three key routes in and out of the town centre, motorists have been left with little choice but to face at least one of the affected roads.

The official diversion for the Abbey Road closure involves using Greengate Street where temporary traffic lights are causing significant delays at peak times, not least because of the presence of two schools on the road.


Jams: Greengate Street, Barrow, on Wednesday LEANNE BOLGER Many of those who have commented in an online debate criticised the planning of the roadworks, questioning why all three were allowed to take place at the same time.

Robin Davies posted on the Evening Mail's Facebook page: "Bedlam in Barrow! Bad planning by the council and highways department."

Joanne Barrow agreed, adding: "Who plans roadworks on a designated diversion route?"

However, some did defend Cumbria County Council's highways department, which is responsible for maintenance of all roads in the county excluding trunk roads such as the A590.

Ange O'Halloran made a valid point when she said: "You can't moan about the state of the roads then complain when the council do something about it."

Graham Wilson added: "Although I agree that it's a complete pain and a huge inconvenience, at least the roads are being repaired! It's just a matter of being patient and letting them get on with it."


Signs: Abbey Road, Barrow, on Wednesday LEANNE BOLGER The roadworks in Greengate Street, between the junction with Risedale Road and Park Avenue, are due to be completed by Friday night, as are the roadworks in Abbey Road.

Some motorists have suggested the reason the roadworks are being carried out at this time is due to a need to use up funding earmarked for road repairs before the end of the current financial year - tomorrow, March 31.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said in response to the criticism: "Roadworks are facilitated on a priority basis, according to available funding and the capacity of teams and contractors to carry out the required works.

"Carriageway resurfacing works on Greengate Street will be completed by Friday evening. The works at Abbey Road have a one-way traffic management system in place and will also be completed on Friday.

"Utility works at Salthouse Road are not county council works but due to the fact they did not conflict with other scheduled works, the traffic management measures were agreed.

"The county council recognises the frustration that multiple roadworks cause and wishes to apologise for the inconvenience, but such projects are vital to improving and maintaining the services local communities need and expect."