Last updated at 16:42, Tuesday, 05 March 2013

WORK on a new roundabout which will aim to reduce collisions on the A590 is set to begin in the autumn.

Construction of a new roundabout at Greenodd is on course for a September start, the Highways Agency has confirmed.

Campaigners have fought for years to improve safety at the site and funding was confirmed in October of last year.

The roundabout will replace the current junction layout and provide safer joining arrangements from the A5092.

Preparatory work has already began on the £1.5m construction project, and workers are due to begin preparing the embankments in July.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomed the news but said he will not stop pushing until work starts.

He said: “Residents have been fighting for nearly 10 years to improve the A590.

“I will not stop pushing until work begins this autumn in Greenodd. I also want to pay tribute to the campaigning of residents and councillors Janet Willis and Rod Wilson.”

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “I am really pleased the end is hopefully in sight to the long battle for a roundabout to make this notorious junction safer for residents and all who use this stretch of the A590.

“No one will rest until the work finally starts but it is great to get a commitment like this.”

Andy Withington, the Highways Agency’s regional service delivery manager, said: “The roundabout project is on time and currently scheduled to start in the autumn as previously announced.

“However, we are aware that there is a lot of public interest in activities around the site at present related to various surveys and some preparation – but work on constructing the roundabout itself and associated roadworks affecting the A590 and A5092 won’t be starting until the autumn.”

First published at 16:38, Tuesday, 05 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk