Cumberland Council is pleased to announce upcoming road improvements on Gote Brow, Station Road and Lorton Street in Cockermouth.
This is an ambitious project to enhance the local road network and ensure safer, smoother travel for residents and businesses.
The planned works include road repairs, drainage system upgrades, and refreshed road markings. To deliver these improvements safely and efficiently, the two projects will be carried out sequentially, using a combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures.
The improvements will be delivered by the council's contractor, DSD Construction Limited.
Work on the A5086 Gote Brow began on Monday 23 February, initially under two-way temporary traffic lights. A full road closure is in place from Monday 2 March 2026 for two weeks. Remaining works will be followed under two-way temporary traffic lights for one week. The scheme is expected to take around four weeks in total, subject to weather and site conditions.
The U2286 Station Road and the B5292 Lorton Street scheme will begin on Monday 16 March under a formal road closure for approximately three weeks, again subject to weather and site conditions. During this period, three-way temporary traffic lights will operate at Kirkgate and Market Place junction to help manage congestion.
During road closures, access for residents will be limited. However, traffic marshals will be on site throughout to help residents reach their properties, whenever it is safe to do so. A fully signed diversion route will be in place for all road users during the full road closures
All businesses will remain open as usual during the works and the council encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting them.
Full access will be available for emergency service vehicles (Green/Blue Lights only), pedestrians, and dismounted cyclists throughout the works.
Waste and recycling collections will continue as normal. Passengers with queries about bus routes are advised to contact Stagecoach and Reays directly.
Cumberland Council recognises that these routes are key through the town and that some temporary inconvenience may occur. The council is working closely with Parish Councils and local members to minimise disruption wherever possible.
The council would like to thank the community for their continued support and patience while these important improvements are carried out. If anyone is unable to attend the drop‑in session but has questions, they can visit the Cumberland Council website or contact the Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736.