MOTORISTS are reporting significant delays and gridlocked traffic through Ulverston on the A590.

A number of vehicles are thought to be piling up along the southbound stretch of the A590 in Ulverston due to roadworks in Quebec Street.

A four-way traffic lights system was installed to carry out the work which is set to cause travelling chaos for motorists between Ulverston and Greenodd.

Already this week, some drivers have reported delays of up to 90 minutes to get westbound into the town centre with some saying it has taken half an hour to travel from one end of Ulverston to the other.

On the eastbound carriageway, tailbacks have stretched all the way to Lindal at busy periods.

Police were contacted at 11.57am yesterday to assist and are understood to be attempting to liaise with the contractors carrying out the roadworks.

Cumbria County Council began improvement work at the junction on Wednesday November 23, running for three weeks.

Temporary traffic lights will be in operation between 9.30am to 3.30pm on the A590 and the adjoining road for the duration of the project.

Ulverston resident Sion Jair described the scene of the roadworks as being like a “maze of red and white plastic signs” which were causing chaos and confusion for motorists and pedestrians alike.

“It’s a complete nightmare,” he said. “It’s a maze of red and white plastic; totally confusing for pedestrians and drivers. I’ve never seen so many cones and barriers.”

Mr Jair, of Larch Grove, suggested the traffic chaos means it would be quicker to cross Ulverston by foot than by car.

Motorist Sandra Wright said: “It rook me an hour and half to get from Greenodd to Ulverston. A simple diversion could be put in place.”

Sophie McPeake described the roadworks as an “absolute joke” while Pauline Porter said the delays had meant she had missed her great-grandson’s nativity play.

“Fifty minutes to get me and my little one home to Ulverston from Haverthwaite,” she added.

A county council spokesman apologised for the delays but said that the work was vital for improving road safety and preparing the town for extra traffic in the near future.

He said: “The works are part of a £4.5m scheme to implement junction improvements at Quebec Street, North Lonsdale Terrace and Lightburn Road / Daltongate.

“The A590 is a Highways England maintained road, and the council is implementing these works to enhance the safety of this important junction in Ulverston, and also to prepare the area for anticipated extra traffic in the future.

“Whilst the council recognises such works inevitably cause delays and inconvenience, these are vital improvement works needed to enhance the safety of all road users. Unfortunately, there are no alternative diversion routes available through or around Ulverston.

“The council apologises for the disruption and urges people to allow for extra time when planning their journeys.”