Weeks Of Disruption Expected On A590 As Essential Resurfacing Work Begins
Drivers in South Cumbria face several weeks of disruption as essential resurfacing and road marking work gets underway on the A590.
National Highways is carrying out the project to improve sections of the A590 around Ulverston and Swarthmoor, with work scheduled to run from October 5 until October 31. The programme will include resurfacing sections of the carriageway and renewing road markings at several locations. Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and allow additional time for journeys while the works are taking place.
The first stage of the project will involve a convoy system through Ulverston. This arrangement is due to operate from October 5 until October 12 and will allow traffic to continue moving through the affected area while work is carried out. Drivers are likely to experience slower journeys during periods when the convoy system is operating, particularly when road workers are carrying out essential work within the carriageway.
The resurfacing programme covers the section of the A590 between the Booths roundabout and Park Road roundabout. National Highways has described the work as essential and said it is intended to renew sections of the road surface as part of the wider maintenance programme. The work will also include renewal of road markings, helping to maintain the condition and visibility of the route.
From October 12, the arrangements will change significantly as overnight closures are introduced on the A590. The road between the Booths roundabout and Park Road roundabout will be closed between 8pm and 6am from Monday to Friday. These closures are scheduled to continue until October 31, meaning drivers using the route during weekday evenings and overnight periods will need to use an alternative route.
A signed diversion will be provided for traffic during the overnight closures. Drivers will be directed away from the affected section using the A595 and A5092. Motorists are being advised to follow the official diversion rather than attempting to travel through closed sections of the A590, as road workers will need the carriageway clear to safely carry out the resurfacing and marking work.
The project will also affect some side roads in the area. National Highways has warned that different side roads may be closed at various stages of the programme depending on where work is taking place. The timing and location of these restrictions will therefore change as the project progresses, meaning local drivers may need to check the arrangements before travelling.
Emergency service access will be maintained throughout the works. Although the road will be closed to normal traffic during the scheduled overnight periods, arrangements are being made to ensure emergency services can continue to reach locations when required. This provision is intended to support access for emergency vehicles while allowing contractors to carry out the planned work safely.
The resurfacing scheme forms part of ongoing investment in the A590, an important route serving communities and businesses across South Cumbria. The road provides connections around Ulverston and towards wider parts of the region, meaning restrictions can affect both local journeys and longer trips. National Highways is therefore using staged traffic management arrangements to allow the necessary work to be completed while keeping the route operating where possible.
The work includes resurfacing between the Thomas Way junction and Swarthmoor. Road markings will also be renewed between the Booths roundabout and Thomas Way junction, as well as between Swarthmoor and the Park Road roundabout. The different elements of the programme mean that work will take place across several connected sections rather than being concentrated at a single point.
Weather and site conditions may affect the planned programme. National Highways has previously stated that the start of the work is subject to suitable conditions, which means the exact timing of individual operations could change if circumstances prevent contractors from safely carrying out the work. Drivers should therefore remain alert to updated traffic management information during the project.
National Highways is working with Westmorland and Furness Council as the project progresses. The organisations are seeking to manage the works in a way that limits disruption while allowing the essential maintenance to be completed. The use of daytime traffic management followed by overnight closures is intended to balance the need to keep traffic moving with the requirement to provide a safe working environment for resurfacing crews.
The first week of the project is expected to be particularly important for traffic travelling through Ulverston, as the convoy system will be used while work begins. Once that stage is completed, the focus will move towards the overnight closure programme between the Booths and Park Road roundabouts. Drivers who regularly use the route should take note of the change in arrangements and consider whether their normal journey times will coincide with the restrictions.
Motorists travelling during the overnight closure period are being encouraged to allow extra time and follow diversion signs. The A595 and A5092 will form the official diversion route, providing an alternative connection while the A590 is unavailable. Drivers should take particular care around temporary traffic management and road works, as conditions can change as different parts of the project are completed.
The work is expected to remain in place until October 31, covering several weeks of resurfacing and road marking activity. Once completed, the affected sections will have a renewed surface and refreshed road markings. The project will temporarily create disruption for road users, but the planned maintenance is intended to address the condition of the carriageway and support the continued use of the A590.
National Highways has urged drivers to take account of the restrictions when planning journeys through South Cumbria during the project. The combination of convoy working, overnight closures, diversions and side road restrictions means journey conditions will vary depending on the time and location of travel. Drivers should follow signs and traffic management measures throughout the programme to help keep both motorists and road workers safe.
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