Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project

The CSLR has seen strong progress over the past two years, with major milestones now complete and visible along the route.

Key achievements for December

Some key achievements included:

• four new roundabouts are now operational: Newby West, Cummersdale, Brisco and Redcat
• three bridges and crossings including Caldew Crossing Bridge, Petteril Bridge, and West Coast Main Line have been completed
• six footbridges and other step-free crossings for pedestrians and cyclists
• 14km of shared-use paths for walking, cycling, and wheeling, including an 8km lit section
• 43km of drainage and environmental work including Fairy Beck culvert and seven ecological ponds are now operational
• 780,000 m³ of earthwork material moved across the route to form new embankments - this equates to 312 Olympic size swimming pools volume of material!
• utility upgrades and landscaping to enhance biodiversity and create green corridors are ongoing

Upon completion, the CSLR will bring many benefits for Cumberland's residents and businesses including:

• economic growth - unlocking land for housing and commercial development as part of the 10,000 new homes in the St Cuthbert's Garden Village
• reduced congestion - the new route diverts traffic away from the Carlisle City Centre, improving journey times
• improved connectivity - provides a direct link between the M6 and A595, supporting logistics and local businesses
• active travel opportunities - safer, dedicated routes for walking and cycling
• environmental enhancements - green spaces and ecological features integrated into the scheme such as ponds and public spaces

The project will fully open in spring 2026.

Higher than average rainfall during key phases of the earthworks and road surfacing has caused delays that have pushed back the completion of this project.

We appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we work with the contractor to overcome these challenges and complete this vital infrastructure project.

Upcoming road closures and reopenings

Ivegill Road drainage works

Essential drainage works will take place during half-term (25 October to 2 November), requiring full closure of Ivegill Road between Durdar and Stoneraise School.

Additional overnight and weekend closures will follow into early November for surfacing and landscaping. Access to Stoneraise school will remain open throughout.

Full series of works at Ivegill Road.

Newbiggin Road closure

From Monday 9 June Newbiggin Road between Brisco Road/Wreay Road and J42 of the M6 will be closed until Friday 7 November.

During this period, Newbiggin Road and the car park and public right of way will be completely closed to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. No through route will be available due to the nature of the work required.

A diversion route will be available via Durdar Road, Blackwell Road, St Nicholas and London Road. View the diversion route on a map.

Access to residential properties and farmland will be restricted:

• from June to September access to Newbiggin Hall and other residential properties will be maintained via J42. The work required does not allow for a route through the site
• from October to December access to Newbiggin Hall and other residential properties will be maintained via Brisco. The work required does not allow for a route through the site.

M6 Junction 42 Northbound off-slip closure

From Monday 9 June until Monday 23 June the M6 Junction 42 off-slip will be completely closed to all traffic. The work required does not allow for a route off the Motorway.

Northbound M6 traffic wishing to access Carlisle via J42 will be diverted up to J43, returning to J42 using the southbound M6. View the diversion route on a map.   

If you have any questions, please contact the Carlisle Southern Link Road team by emailing [email protected].

Supporting our communities

These areas have been awarded funding through the CSLR Trust, a community grant funded by principal contractor Galliford Try Infrastructure as part of the Carlisle Southern Link Road project.

Eden Valley Hospice

The funding will be used to purchase durable and wheelchair accessible outdoor furniture, including bike shelters, garden dining sets, and accessible tables. These improvements will ensure service users and visitors can enjoy the outdoor spaces in comfort and safety.

Part of the funding will support the Volunteer Appreciation event. A celebration of the incredible volunteers who give their time and dedication to supporting the hospice and wider community

We look forward to following and supporting Eden Valley Hospice's journey as they transform their outdoor space into an even more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Carlisle Youth Zone

The funding will help support CYZ's activity space - creating a fresh, welcoming environment where young people can: 

• take part in activities
• discover new opportunities
• develop their talents and passions

Cumberland Council is proud to support Carlisle Youth Zone as they continue to empower and inspire the next generation.

Dalston Scout Group

This funding has already opened up exciting new opportunities for local young people. The group which has been running for over 50 years and now engages more than 75 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts aged 6 to 15, helps young people develop confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership through fun and adventure.

Thanks to the CSLR Trust Grant, the group has been able to invest in:

• ten stand-up paddleboards for young people
• two paddleboards for instructors
• one super-sized paddleboard
• new safety gear, including buoyancy aids
• training for five adult volunteers, who are now qualified Stand Up Paddleboard instructors

Previously water-based activities were limited to just eight young people at a time. Now, up to 40 can get on the water together creating more opportunities to enjoy paddleboarding and build new skills.

Dalston Scout Group leaders described the funding as transformative:

"This generous grant has allowed us to expand the range of activities we can offer our young people. Seeing the young people happy, laughing and learning new skills on the water has been truly rewarding. We are incredibly grateful to the CSLR Trust and Galliford Try for making this possible."