Cumberland Council is inviting residents, businesses and road users to find out more about planned improvement works to the Dow Beck (Caldewgate) Culvert in Carlisle, with construction due to begin in August.
The culvert, which transfers water, is located beneath a busy dual carriageway and plays an important role in Carlisle's drainage infrastructure. The planned works will strengthen the structure and help ensure it remains safe and reliable for years to come, reducing the need for future weight restrictions.
The scheme will involve specialist repairs to strengthen sections of the culvert, along with resurfacing works and utility improvements.
Following a competitive tender process through Cumberland Council's Capital Works Framework, Metcalfe Plant Hire Ltd has been appointed to carry out the works.
Before the main scheme begins, United Utilities will carry out preparatory works to install equipment needed to isolate a nearby water main. These works are due to start during the week commencing Monday 27 July and are expected to take around five days.
The main improvement works are scheduled to start on Monday 3 August and are expected to last for around four weeks, with completion anticipated in early September 2026.
To allow the works to be carried out safely traffic management will be required around Bridge Street, Bridge Lane and the Caldewgate junction. The majority of construction work will take place overnight from 8pm to 6am, to help reduce disruption, although traffic management will remain in place during the day to allow for preparatory works.
Bus stops:
The McVitie’s and Sainsbury’s westbound bus stops will be suspended for the duration of the works. A temporary bus stop will be introduced on Bridge Street, Carlisle, just west of the suspended Sainsbury’s bus stop (Opposite Milbourne Street).
Passengers who would normally use the McVitie’s bus stop should instead use the Silloth Street bus stop on Wigton Road or the Port Road Garage bus stop on Newtown Road to get on or off their bus.
Drop-in event for residents and businesses:
Residents, businesses and road users are invited to attend a public drop-in event to find out more about the project, understand the planned traffic management arrangements and speak directly with members of the project team.
Drop-in event details
- Monday 20 July 2026
- 5pm to 7pm
- Venue: iCan Wellbeing Group CIO
Unit 18, The Maltings
Bridge Street
Carlisle
CA2 5SR
Please note that parking is not available at the venue. Public parking is available nearby at Paddy's Market and Castle Car Park. The nearest bus stop is located next to Sainsbury's, just a short walk from the venue.
For further information, visit Cumberland Council's website or contact the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736, quoting: "C4 Dow Beck (Caldewgate) Culvert A595 – Improvement Works".