Carlisle Southern Link Road (CSLR) project

Work on the CSLR continues to progress at pace as we move closer to the completion of this infrastructure for Carlisle and the wider region.

Key achievements for October

Some key achievements for October included:

• Newby West to Cummersdale section opened on 20 October, replacing the old route via Peter Lane, which is permanently closed at the Newby West end - access from Dalston Road remains for residents and landowners
• Brisco Road to Red Cat Roundabout section opened on 24 October, improving connectivity and reducing congestion, Brisco Crossroads will remain closed for approximately two weeks, with access maintained via Carlisle and the new link road

Project Progress - September highlights

Some highlights in September included: 

• Newby West Roundabout reopened on 8 September, this larger higher-capacity roundabout will improve traffic flow and journey times at peak periods
• Caldew Crossing progress - the temporary bridge over Caldew was removed giving direct access across the river to build the western pier of the new Caldew Crossing, the footpath along the Caldew remains open to the public
• advancing works between Brisco and M6 J42
• Active Travel features - installation of shared-used paths and green corridors is ongoing, ensuring safer and greener travel options for walking, wheeling, and cycling

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."