As work progresses on the Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project, we’re pleased to share the latest developments, upcoming road changes, and the expanding impact the project is having across the community, environment, and future careers.
Road closures:
- The A595 north into Carlisle between Newby West Roundabout and the Wigton Road to the car garage is closed and will reopen at the end of August 2025.
- Peter Lane closed from 22 April 2025.
- Buckabank Road between Dalston and Durdar is closed and will reopen 5 May 2025.
- Ivegill Road is closed between Durdar and Stoneraise and will reopen 6 June 2025.
- Newbiggin Road between Brisco Crossroads and M6 Junction 42 will close on 26 May. When this reopens traffic will then be directed to use the new CSLR route.
Project progress – April highlights
April has been a month of progress across the CSLR project, with key milestones being met and several phases moving into their next stages. Highlights this past month include:
- Newbiggin Road Embankment: Ongoing embankment construction between Brisco and the crossover is progressing well.
- Fairy Beck Culvert: Successfully completed at Newby West, marking a major drainage infrastructure milestone.
- Bridge Embankments: Embankments up to the West Coast Main Line Bridge and the River Petteril Bridge have been completed.
- London Road Improvements: The new footpath has been installed along the A6 London Road, improving pedestrian access.
- Cummersdale Footbridge: The footbridge has now been fully installed, enhancing connectivity for walkers and cyclists.
- Caldew Crossing Bridge Progress: Construction of the east and west diaphragm walls for the bridge abutments are now complete.
These developments reflect the project's continued progress as we move closer to delivering this vital infrastructure for Carlisle and the surrounding region.
The CSLR Trust – Community funding grants now open!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the CSLR Trust, a new match-funded grant initiative funded by Galliford Try Infrastructure. Local community groups in and around Carlisle can now apply for grants from £100s to £1,000s to help bring your projects to life!
The grants support projects aligned with Cumberland Council’s core values: compassion, innovation, empowerment, ambition, and collaboration.
The trust will cover up to 50% of project costs, with applicants providing match funding.
Thoughtful design reflecting local character
The CSLR bridges have been carefully designed with the surrounding rural landscape in mind. Using curved wing walls and locally sourced Lazonby sandstone, the structures are built to blend naturally into the area, using a muted colour palette to minimise visual impact.
With scaffolding now coming down, the final touches reveal a commitment to quality, pride, and local distinctiveness. Massive thanks to Galliford Try and Story Contracting for their work.
Supporting biodiversity with 10,000+ new trees
You may have noticed these green tubes popping up along the route - each one marks a new tree or shrub planted as part of our environmental efforts. The project will be planting 10,000 new trees, supporting biodiversity and restoring local green space for future generations.
Shaping futures through education
A highlight from April, CSLR joined Cumberland Council to deliver a three-day work experience programme at Caldew School. Over 130 Year 9 and 10 students got hands-on with the world of construction through interactive sessions, a live site tour, and insights into careers in engineering, commercial, communications, and design.
Thanks to all our partners - Galliford Try, Story Contracting, Heidelberg Materials UK, Go Green, Danny Sullivan Group, Premier Traffic Management, and Peacock Precision Services Ltd - for inspiring the next generation.
