Cumberland Council is advising residents and road users of upcoming changes to traffic management as Phase 2 of the Workington Gateway project begins.
These works form part of a major programme to improve road safety, upgrade essential infrastructure and strengthen connections to key employment sites and the Port of Workington.
The council has secured over £33 million of government funding, including £10 million specifically for improvements to the Workington Gateway. This investment also supports wider regeneration projects such as the new Innovation Centre, the Digital Accelerator Hub, the Port of Workington Logistics and Energy Hub, new cycleways, improvements within Hall Park, and the proposed Cumberland Sports Village.
Ramsay Brow – Phase 1
Temporary three‑way traffic signals already in place will remain operational throughout the works. These are essential to safely manage traffic, including vehicles entering from the Udale Street/M&S junction.
Due to necessary utility diversions, Phase 1 has been unfortunately delayed, but works are now progressing and are expected to be completed in June 2026.
Hall Brow – Phase 2
Phase 2 will begin on 23 February 2026.
For the first 2–3 weeks, to minimise longer term disruption, gas network upgrades will be delivered alongside the road improvement scheme:
- A one‑way northbound traffic system will operate between Udale Street and Calva Brow Roundabout.
- No southbound travel will be permitted on the A596 in this section. Traffic will be diverted via Northside Road and Northside Bridge to the A597.
- Three‑way traffic signals at Ramsay Brow will remain in place.
- Access to and from Seaton via Northside Road remains unaffected.
Once Northern Gas Networks (NGN) completes its work:
- Both traffic lanes will reopen between Udale Street and the access to Police HQ/Black Path.
- The one‑way system will reduce in length and apply only between Police HQ and Calva Brow Roundabout.
- Southbound travel on this stretch of the A596 will remain restricted until late summer, with diversions continuing via Northside Road, Northside Bridge and the A597.
- Seaton access remains unchanged.
Hall Brow works are currently planned to be complete by autumn 2026.
Residents of Hall Park View will not be able to park outside their properties from 23 February, and the council is making some temporary arrangements with these residents. Contractors will continue to work with residents to accommodate specific needs.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:
“It has been fantastic to secure over £33 million in government funding for Workington. This investment will transform the town, creating opportunities for local businesses, strengthening connections, and improving the places our community uses every day.
“We understand the frustration caused by delays, but by coordinating the road and gas works we can avoid further disruption in the future. We are grateful for everyone’s patience as we deliver these enhancements.”
