Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project

Despite the heavy rainfall experienced throughout December, which affected our planned surfacing schedule, the team continued to make strong progress across the project. All nine drainage networks are now substantially complete and more importantly fully operational, an important milestone as we move into the final stages of construction.

Installation of route lighting is also close to completion, significantly improving visibility and safety along the new route. We have also continued to roll out permanent fencing; this really helps to define the route and support road safety.

January works

Surfacing

With weather conditions improving, our team has now resumed surfacing works. This includes ongoing surfacing of footpaths and the main Caldew Crossing, bringing us another step closer to opening key sections of the route.

A595/ Kingrigg Farm area

The new farm access road on the A595 at Kingrigg Farm is due to open shortly. Once in place, we can turn our attention to completing the westbound verge.

Please note: The eastbound verge and widening work for the right-turn lane into Kingrigg Farm remain on pause due to the numerous ongoing utility diversion works in that verge.

To avoid these delays impacting the whole project, the new right-turn lane into Kingrigg will be completed in summer 2026.

Upcoming road closures and reopenings

M6 Junction 42

To safely complete the final elements of construction at Junction 42, we are planning a full closure of the roundabout in March 2026. This timing has been carefully coordinated with other local motorway and trunk road works to minimise disruption for drivers and residents.

We will share confirmed dates and diversion routes as soon as they are available.

A595 (Newby West - Orton Grange Roundabout)

From Monday 16 February to Friday 20 February there will be overnight closures from 8pm to 6am for resurfacing works.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we progress through the final stages of this major infrastructure project. We are incredibly excited to open the route to the public and deliver the long-term benefits it will bring to Carlisle and the wider area.

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."